A recent partnership between Surrey CCC, Guildford Borough Council and Guildford Cricket Club has been formed to renew the sports facilities at Woodbridge Road. The project is subject to planning, but the proposal is to turn Guildford into the second home for Surrey CCC, the ‘Guildford County Ground’.
Cllr Stephen Mansbridge (pictured left), Leader of Guildford Borough Council said, “We very much welcome Surrey CCC to Guildford as their permanent second home. This new partnership is significant for residents across the borough, as well as visitors and existing users of this charitable site.”
“This joint opportunity also provides another attraction that builds on the town’s reputation for supporting major and community events. We hope many people will enjoy and benefit from the planned investment in this popular community facility.”
The Woodbridge Road ground has been the home of Guildford Cricket Club for over 100 years now and will continue to do so, whilst retaining the tradition of hosting first-class cricket. Every year for 76 years now, Guildford Cricket Club has hosted Surrey CCC as part of the summer festival of cricket and this exciting partnership will continue.
Chief Executive of Surrey CCC, Richard Gould said, “Guildford CC has a historic association with Surrey CCC that runs deep within the club. This year’s festival was the 76th consecutive staging of a Surrey first-class game in Guildford. The extension of those links – and creating a second home for Surrey in Guildford – is something we are confident will be welcomed by our Members, fans and players.”
The partnership aims to deliver a significant refurbishment of the Guildford CC Pavilion to make it a self-sustaining sports and community hub for Guildford with a wide variety of uses. The new partnership also aims to deliver cost effective management of the Woodbridge Road facility with an increased level of community ownership including involving Guildford Sea Cadets, who also use the site.
Surrey will make a large investment in the facilities at Woodbridge Road, creating a second home for the club that will see first team training, Second XI cricket and other related activities taking place at the ground with much greater regularity.
Robert Charles (pictured right), Chairman of Guildford Cricket Club, commented, “We are delighted that we are heading toward a new chapter in the life of the club with our own cricket secure here for another 75 years and a ground-breaking relationship with Surrey CCC that will bring an even higher profile to Guildford Cricket Club and the Borough. With a significant improvement in facilities the Guildford County Ground will become an unparalleled centre for club, county and community use.”