Historic Bushy Park cricket club plans new pavilion after suspected arson attack
A historic cricket club in Bushy Park has unveiled plans to replace vital facilities that were destroyed in a suspected arson attack.
Hampton Wick Royal Cricket Club (HWRCC), which was founded in 1863, wants to rebuild its pavilion with improved facilities it has 'desperately needed' over the years.
It comes after the club was left without changing rooms, showers and toilets after the old pavilion burnt down in a suspected arson attack in the early hours of September 7. It had stood on the site since 1989 after the club's original pavilion burnt down in 1901, followed by its replacement burning down in 1988.
The club has now submitted plans to Richmond Council to rebuild the pavilion with better and more accessible facilities. It is installing temporary facilities so it can continue to operate in the meantime, while it waits for the council to make a decision on the proposals.
The new pavilion would have four changing rooms, with separate facilities for female players and guests, a club room, bar, catering facilities, storage and facilities for disabled people for the first time. It would also be designed to discourage vandalism and anti-social behaviour.
Jack Le Feuvre, member of HWRCC, previously told the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) the suspected arson attack 'hit not just those directly involved with the cricket club but those in the wider club community and actually in the local network of Hampton Wick really, really hard because the club has… stood on the same site for 160 years'. He added the club had received an 'unbelievable amount of support' since the fire.
A report submitted with the application also said the club had battled through a 'catastrophic year' following the incident. It is expecting an insurance payment to help with the costs, but it is continuing to fundraise and hold charity events to make sure it has all the cash needed to fund the plans.
The report added: "The new facility will provide the shortfall of facilities the club have desperately needed over the years and reprovide the club base for the local community."
The club is also home to Harlequins Amateurs Rugby Club, Bedfont Sports FC, Kingston College Football Academy and other community groups.
A Met Police spokesperson previously said it believed the cause of the fire to be arson, but that it had not been able to identify any suspects after investigating the incident.
Richmond Council will decide on the application in due course.
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