New Pavilion and charity venture for Chorleywood Cricket Club

Chorleywood will see a new cricket pavilion with a charity-run café, after a planning application was agreed by Three Rivers. Councillors gave their support for the application, which involves the demolition of the existing building and construction of a two-storey replacement, despite the site being both in a Conservation Area and the Green Belt.

The new pavilion will include toilets, changing facilities, café and kitchen, gift shop, a meeting and training space and a viewing terrace. The café and kitchen will be run by ‘Mission EmployAble’, a social enterprise charity dedicated to helping adults with learning disabilities into employment through training and work experience opportunities. The café will look to support local suppliers and those that use sustainable working practices.

Cllr Sara Bedford, Leader of the Council, said: “The existing cricket clubhouse is in need of renovation and updating. The expansion of the facilities will allow for the future growth in club membership. The additional facilities will allow for the introduction of women’s cricket with separate changing rooms. I am delighted with the partnership with Mission Employable, as enabling a wider range of opportunities for people with learning disabilities has always been an area of interest for me.

“Everyone deserves an opportunity to learn skills and gain paid employment, in order to live an independent life. This project will go a long way to helping local residents to do just that.”

More information about the project can be found at www.missionemployable.co.uk