Howzat! Kimberley Institute Cricket Club receive £180,699.40 of funding for new car park, hybrid pitches and nets from the Kimberley Means Business Fund

The installation of two new hybrid pitches will improve the durability and consistency of the pitches, allowing for more matches to be played at the club by the senior, women’s, and junior teams. The club will also benefit from reduced pitch maintenance costs, with the pitches improving drainage and facilitating faster grass recovery.

A new hard standing car park has also been completed, giving the club a sleeker, more professional look, and an enhanced reception to the club for players, visitors, and spectators alike.

The grant has also funded the rotation of their training nets, enabling them to be used during games, as well as an electricity supply to be laid to the nets for use of bowling machines. Once the season has finished, it has been arranged for the nets to be replaced and upgraded.

Dave Tantum, Chairman of Kimberley Institute Cricket Club, said, ‘The investment will increase participation in sport while providing wider community benefit. It will enable the club to play more cricket matches and provide state of the art practice facilities. The two hybrid wickets have developed the capacity of the cricket square, and the new 3 bay enclosed nets will allow more players to practice while matches take place at the same time. The resurfaced car park provides a welcome for everyone, to enjoy the cricket, the social life of the club all while feeling part of a growing community that is open to all.’

Leader of Broxtowe Borough Council and Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, ‘I’m delighted to be able to aid Kimberley Institute Cricket Club with improvements to their club. Our local sporting facilities are essential community hubs and can do so much for people’s physical and mental wellbeing – these developments will allow the club to be used and enjoyed by many in the community for years to come.’

Kimberley Means Business is UK Government funded and is administered by Broxtowe Borough Council in partnership with Kimberley Town Council.