UPDATE MAY 12, 2021 1
SUMMARY
Between 2018 and the end of 2021, the London Cricket Trust will have overseen the installation of 61 non-turf pitches and 13 net facilities across the capital.
In Phases 1 and 2, in 2018 and 2019, 36 non-turf pitches and four net facilities were created and 66 cricket starter-kits were donated to primary and high schools.
In Phase 3, in 2020, running into 2021, and Phase 4, in 2021, a further 25 NTP’s and nine net facilities will be completed and available for use.
In this process, LCT has emerged as a lean, focused organisation through which the four county boards - Essex, Kent, Middlesex and Surrey - work eficiently and efectively not only together but also in conjunction with the ECB, measurably increasing cricket participation in the capital.
Advantage Sports Management (ASM) is responsible for the day-to-day management of the LCT, reporting to the four trustees, identifying potential sites and regularly checking each venue, ensuring maintenance, maximising participation. ASM deals on a daily basis with county boards, ECB, councils, park management, schools, clubs, other cricket organisations and members of the public.
ASM undertakes this significant volume of work pro bono, and receives an annual contribution towards expenses from each of the four counties.
1 THE LONDON CRICKET TRUST
Putting cricket back into London’s parks
2 Index
PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019) maintenance report PAGE 4
PHASE 3 (2020) maintenance report and update PAGE 10
PHASE 4 (2021) update PAGE 17
PHASE 5 (2022) proposals PAGE 18
LCT WEBSITE PAGE 19
ACTIVATION plans PAGE 20
3 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
AVERY HILL PARK
Local Authority Greenwich
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
The NTP is in decent condition and the outfield has also been maintained. The ground is used regularly, bringing cricket back to an area where the game had waned.
BARN ELMS SPORTS CLUB
Local Authority Wandsworth
County Surrey
LCT Facility 2 x NTP’s
Completion date August 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 28.04.21
Both non-turf pitches are in perfect condition. The outfield is well maintained, and the venue works well.
BEXLEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL
Local Authority Bexley
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 05.05.21
The school site continues to thrive as a cricket hub in the borough, for the pupils and the community, and is regularly used both in term time and the holidays.
4 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
BLONDIN PARK
Local Authority Ealing
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date December 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 20.04.21
The NTP is in good condition, but the lines have faded. The picture, right, shows where the crease has almost totally disappeared. The outfield is patchy, maybe because of the dry weather but also because it is used for football.
CENTRAL PARK
Local Authority Havering
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP and Nets
Completion date August 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 03.05.21
The NTP is in great condition, and the nets are clearly well maintained. Demand is high in this area, and the nets are being used from 18h00 onwards every evening.
DEPTFORD PARK
Local Authority Lewisham
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date July 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
The NTP is in excellent condition, but areas of the outfeld have become worn and patchy mainly because the park is used by football clubs on a frequent basis.
5 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
FORSTER MEMORIAL PARK
Local Authority Lewisham
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date July 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
The NTP remains in perfect condition, and local people say the ideally located ground is frequently used.
HILLY FIELDS
Local Authority Lewisham
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
A significant tear has appeared at one end of the NTP; this has been reported to Paul Harper, Glendale Management, who is arranging for the pitch to be repaired.
LAMPTON SCHOOL
Local Authority Hounslow
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 07.05.21
The NTP is still in good condition, but, during lockdown, vandals broke through the perimeter fence and played football on the field. The grass has been completely reseeded and will be ready for cricket in June 2021.
6 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
MOORMEAD RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Richmond-upon-Thames
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date July 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 28.04.21
The NTP is in perfect condition, and the crease lines have recently been repainted. The grass has worn on the run-up area but the outfield is in reasonable condition.
MOUNTSFIELD PARK
Local Authority Lewisham
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date July 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 26.04.21
The NTP is well used, but two rectangular holes were found in the NTP on a recent site visit; the damage was reported to Lewisham council and has since been repaired.
SANDERSTEAD RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Croydon
County Surrey
LCT Facility 2 x NTP’s
Completion date October 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 03.05.21
Both NTPs are in good condition with clear signs of frequent use. Users said they had initial doubts about the bounce and turn on the pitch but have been pleasantly surprised by how well the pitch plays.
7 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
SEVEN KINGS PARK
Local Authority Redbridge
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP and nets
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 03.05.21
The nets remain in pristine condition. The maintenance manager said the facilities, NTPs and nets, are in constant use, particularly between 4pm and 6pm on weekdays.
SOUTH NORWOOD LAKE
Local Authority Croydon
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date October 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 27.04.21
The NTP is in excellent condition with no signs of damage. The rest of the natural turf square and the outfield have been well maintained.
SOUTHALL PARK
Local Authority Ealing
County Middlesex
LCT Facility Nets
Completion date December 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 20.04.21
The nets are in excellent condition. A total of 15 people were training on a Tuesday afternoon. Some leaves and rubbish were cleared away, but the venue is clearly well used by members of the local community.
8 PHASE 1 (2018) and PHASE 2 (2019)
SOUTHALL RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Ealing
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2019
Most recent ASM site visit 20.04.21
A patch has been worn bare on the crease, clearly where the bowler’s front foot would land, indicating high usage. Ealing Council have been made aware of the issue, and repairs have been scheduled for mid-May 2021.
STREATHAM COMMON
Local Authority Lambeth
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 18.04.21
A tear in the NTP has been repaired, and the outfield seems in excellent condition. The facility is clearly well used, and is popular with both formal and informal cricketers.
VICTORIA PARK
Local Authority Tower Hamlets
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 3 x NTP’s
Completion date 2018
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
All three NTP’s remain in excellent condition despite the consistently high levels of usage. The site remains very popular with Last Man Stands teams.
9 PHASE 3 (2020)
CHEAM RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Sutton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date November 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
The NTP is in perfect condition, but the crease lines have not yet been painted. The outfield is in excellent condition, consistent with a well-maintained public park.
CHURCH LANE RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Brent
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date February 2021
Most recent ASM site visit 03.05.21
The NTP is still in excellent condition, and the outfield is being regularly mown. The crease lines are slightly faded, indicating regular use
ILFORD COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
Local Authority Redbridge
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date April 2021
Most recent ASM site visit 30.04.21
The NTP was installed in the last week of April, 2021, and is expected to be extremely well used by the school and local club teams throughout the summer.
10 PHASE 3 (2020)
LILLIE ROAD RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Hammersmith and Fulham
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 13.04.21
The NTP, installed in September 202o, remains in excellent condition; the outfield shows some signs of frequent use by footballers during winter, but the grass has recently been cut short in preparation for cricket.
NORBURY PARK
Local Authority Croydon
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 27.04.21
The NTP was in good condition, although rubbish indicated it had been the site of a picnic. The outfield is patchy, and needs some attention from park management.
OVERTON PARK
Local Authority Sutton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 2 x NTP’s
Completion date November 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
Both NTP’s are in perfect condition, although we are still waiting for the crease lines to be painted. The outfield is in excellent condition, ready for the summer.
11 PHASE 3 (2020)
PECKHAM RYE PARK
Local Authority Southwark
County Surrey
LCT Facility Nets
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 26.04.21
The nets are in excellent condition, and a group of casual users were very pleased with the facility. They asked whether a back net could be provided because straight drives could hit passing people or cars.
REIGATE AVENUE RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Sutton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date November 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 24.04.21
The NTP is in very good condition, with no marks or scufs. The crease lines are slightly faded but remain visible, and the outfield remains in very good condition.
SOUTH PARK
Local Authority Hammersmith and Fulham
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 2 x NTP’s
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 13.04.21
The NTPs are in excellent condition, but the outfield shows signs of is excessive football activity during winter months; the outfield has been mown in preparation for cricket, and an adjacent natural turf wicket is being prepared.
12 PHASE 3 (2020)
SOUTH PARK
Local Authority Redbridge
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date November 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 03.05.21
This NTP is still in great condition with clear signs of regular use. The outfield is well maintained.
SUTTON COMMON PARK
Local Authority Sutton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date November 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 21.04.21
The NTP remains in perfect condition with clear lines. The outfield is well maintained and boundary lines have also been painted in preparation for cricket.
WANDSWORTH COMMON
Local Authority Wandsworth
County Surrey
LCT Facility 2 x NTP’s
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit 13.04.21
The NTPs are in excellent condition having only been installed in 2020. The outfield is also in excellent condition, perhaps because it is fenced. Grass has been mown ahead of the new cricket season.
13 PHASE 3 (2020, running into 2021)
WORMWOOD SCRUBS
Local Authority Hammersmith & Fulham
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date September 2020
Most recent ASM site visit
The NTP looks as good as new, although the there is a particularly short boundary on one side; the outfield has been well maintained.
ONE TREE HILL
Local Authority Brent
County Middlesex
LCT Facility Nets
Completion date June 2021
ABBEY RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Merton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
JOSEPH HOOD RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Merton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
DUNDONALD RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Merton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
14 PHASE 3 (2020, running into 2021)
KING GEORGES’S RECREATION GROUND
Local Authority Merton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
MORDEN PARK
Local Authority Merton
County Surrey
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
WEMBLEY CC
Local Authority Brent
County Middlesex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date July 2021
ROLLS SPORTS GROUND
Local Authority Waltham Forest
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
ST CHAD’S PARK
Local Authority Barking
County Essex
LCT Facility Nets
Completion date June 2021
MAYESBROOK PARK
Local Authority Barking
County Essex
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date June 2021
15 PHASE 3 (2020, running into 2021)
BIRCHMERE PARK
Local Authority Greenwich
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP
Completion date May 2021
MAYOW PARK
Local Authority Lewisham
County Kent
LCT Facility 1 x NTP, nets
Completion date June 2021
16 PHASE 4 (2021) A total of 25 sites have been identified with total spend of £590k, comprising an ECB/ LCT investment of £407k and partnership funding of £183k, but this list will be reduced by various issues to meet the ECB budgeted spend of £350,000.
Sites NTP’s Nets Total investment split LA partnership funding Total cost to LCT/ECB
Essex 3 1 3 £135,000 £35,000 £100,000
Kent 4 3 2 £90,000 £20,000 £70,000
Middlesex 10 10 3 £235,000 £83,000 £152,000
Surrey 8 8 2 £130,000 £45,000 £85,000
TOTAL 25 22 10 £590,000 £183,000 £407,000
Site Local Authority Facilities
Parsloes Park Barking 1 x NTP + Nets
Priory Park Newham Nets
Plashet Park Newham Nets
Bostall Heath Greenwich 1 x NTP + Nets
Charlton Park Greenwich 1 x NTP
Hervey Road Greenwich Nets
Poverest Park Bromley 1 x NTP
Heston Community School Hounslow 1 x NTP + Nets
White Hart Lane Rec Haringey 1 x NTP
Haydon School Hillingdon 2 x NTP
Cowley Hall Rec Hillingdon 1 x NTP + Nets
Grassy Meadow Hillingdon Nets
Wray Crescent Islington 1 x NTP
Pymmes Park Enfield 1 x NTP
Jubilee Park Enfield 1 x NTP
Ponders End Park Enfield 1 x NTP
Church Street Rec Enfield 1 x NTP
Fairfield Rec Kingston 1 x NTP
Beverley Park Kingston 1 x NTP
Manor Park Kingston 1 x NTP
King Edward’s Rec Kingston 1 x NTP
Green Lane Recreation Ground Kingston 1 x NTP
Ruskin Park Lambeth 2 x NTP
Roehampton Playing Fields Wandsworth 1 x NTP + Nets
Putney Heath Wandsworth Nets
17 PHASE 5 (2022)
Potential sites are still being proposed by County Boards and by members of the public contacting the LCT website; with ECB support, Phase 5 will be launched.
Site Local Authority Facilities
Lister Community School Newham 1 x NTP
Hainault Rec Redbridge 1 X NTP tbc
Rolls Sports Ground Waltham Forest Nets (2 lane)
Bretons Park Havering 1 x NTP
Upminster Hall Playing Fields Havering 1 x NTP
Hylands Park Havering 1 x NTP
Goosley playing Fields Newham Nets
Peter May Waltham Forest TBC
Hainault Rec Redbridge TBC
Goodmays Redbridge TBC
Barkingside Rec Redbridge TBC
Forster Memorial Park Lewisham Nets
Shaftesbury Park Rec Bromley Nets
Midfield Primary Bromley NTP
Alexandra Rec Bromley TBC
Poverest Park Bromley 1 x NTP
Goddington Park Bromley 1 x NTP
New Eltham School Greenwich Nets
Parliament Hill City of London (Camden) TBC
Highgate Wood City of London (Har’gey) 1 x NTP
Hampstead Heath Extension City of London (Camden) 1 x NTP (Nets)
Hackney Downs Hackney Nets
Springfield Park Hackney Nets
Lordship Lane Rec Haringey TBC
Downhills Park Haringey TBC
Bull Lane Haringey 1 x NTP + Nets
Markfield Park Haringey 1 x NTP
Canons High School Harrow 1 x NTP
Park High School Harrow 1 x NTP
King George's Kingston TBC
Larkhall Park Lambeth 1 x NTP
Norwood Park Lambeth TBC
Clapham Common Lambeth 1 x NTP + Nets
18 WEBSITE WWW.LONDONCRICKETTRUST.CO.UK
The new LCT website was launched on 29 March, 2021, and provides an efective vehicle for members of the public to reserve facilities across the capital. Each LCT venue is listed, with the respective booking details.
A significant number of people continue to contact the LCT through the website, with suggestions for new facilities or other useful feedback, all of which have been forwarded to the respective county boards.
The website was funded by the contribution to ASM expenses in 2020.
19 ACTIVATION PLAN UPDATE
In November 2020, the LCT trustees decided to switch the Trust's focus from installing new facilities to driving participation on the new platform.
A detailed proposal was submitted to the ECB, and remains under consideration as the governing body considers its approach to cricket in London.
In the meantime, determined to maximise the level of cricket being played on the new non-turf pitches and net facilities, the LCT is now approaching major companies eager seeking CSR investment in activation programmes.
Working closely with each of the four county boards and the ECB, LCT intends to launch programmes at 10 community hubs, located where demand is high. LCT organisers will approach nearby primary and high schools, clubs, other stakeholders and casual users to increase participation. LCT also plans to facilitate matches between state and independent schools at the new sites.
The benefits of increased cricket participation are clear: improved levels of health and fitness and endless opportunities for social cohesion.
20