A planning permission application has been submitted to Richmond Council for the "demolition of the remains of a former cricket pavilion following an arson attack," located in Bushy Park.

The application was submitted by Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club 30 January to clear space for new temporary club facilities in Hampton Hill, including WC's and changing rooms.

The Wick's previous pavilion burned down in a suspected arson attack in September last year (Photo: HWRCC)

This follows talks between the Wick's pavilion rebuild team and the Royal Parks, with club chairman Sam Kemp writing on the club's website that "the initial feedback from the Royal Parks for our pavilion rebuild plans is really positive."

These plans include key infrastructure improvements.

"It's not very exciting stuff," admits Mr Kemp.

The club will be connecting the drainage system to the main sewer along nearby Park Road. "The cost for this alone could run to £100,000."

The new plans have prompted a flurry of fundraising events for the club, as the insurance payout from last year's fire will not cover the cost of the new facility.

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Despite an outpouring of support from the club's community, fundraising is still "critical" if the new pavilion is to stand the test of time.

The former pavilion was built in the late 1980, seeing over three decades of use from the 160-year old club.

The Wick's former pavilion was built in the late 1980s (Photo: HWRCC)

Mr Kemp added that the Royal Parks "gave strong signals of their support" regarding the Wick's planned temporary accommodation for the upcoming 2024 and 2025 seasons.

The Council's decision is due 26 March later this year, giving the club a seven week window to prepare their temporary facilities for the Adult season, commencing 11 May.