ONE OF Worcester’s most famous sports grounds is set to be brought back to life by a city college as it looks to create the “next generation of sporting greats”.
The Cinderella Sports Ground and its historic pavilion on Bransford Road has fallen into a state of disrepair after not being used for almost a decade.
But after years of negotiations about what to do with the former home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, Worcester College of Technology was finally given the green light to lead its restoration by the City Council’s planning committee.
Nicki Williams, vice principal at Worcester College of Technology, said its plans to restore the ground were a significant milestone for the college.
“We are continually looking for new and innovative ways to improve facilities for young people and support local community ventures,” she said.
“This investment will help leave a legacy to the next generation of sporting greats and give a new lease of life to one of the county’s most historic landmarks.”
Last Thursday’s (September 19) planning meeting saw councillors unanimously back the proposals as Coun Roger Berry said the ground was “within a year of disappearing off the face of the earth” due to its poor condition.
“It has been an absolute disgrace for the last ten years,” Coun Berry said. “It is credit to our staff that we have actually managed to come up with the use of it and to see it being restored will be a great achievement.”
Coun Derek Prodger, councillor for the area, added: “The residents living all around it have been very anxious about the condition of it. Not just about the clubhouse, but the ground as well, so I hope that is taken on board.
“I fully support this as I want to make sure the work gets done to prevent it getting any worse.”
As part of the plans, the dilapidated sports pavilion will be refurbished and a new single-storey rear extension added for changing rooms and showers.
It will also replace the pitch and outfield and put in 30 car parking spaces as both students and sports clubs in the area will be allowed to use the ground.
A start date for the work has not yet been confirmed.
