SATURDAY, MAY 16
WORK has almost finished on the new £2.2million Devon Cricket Centre on the University of Exeter site.
An opening date of July 6 has been fixed for the centre and former England captain Mike Gatting booked to do the opening.
Matt Theedom, Devon's cricket development manager, said the centre should be in full swing by the autumn.
'The centre will be open in July but it won't start getting busy until September, when all the youth squads will start using it,' said Theedom.
Devon are the first minor county to construct an indoor cricket centre. Neighbours Cornwall are now working on a similar project in Truro.
Theedom said the Devon centre would be a focal point for cricket in the county when it is up and running.
'What we will have is a base for cricket that is truly professional,' said Theedom.
'On the playing side there will be four lanes of practice nets, laid on floors with the latest technology in springing, plus bowling machines, fielding machines and video analysis.
'Clubs all over Devon will be encouraged to come and use the facilities in the winter, as well as the county youth squads.
'Obviously there are will be employment opportunities for coaches when we are open.
'The administrative functions of the Devon Cricket Board will all be under one roof in offices at the centre.
'It is a very exciting development for cricket and cricketers in the county.'
Money for the centre has come largely from the England & Wales Cricket Board, which contributed £1.5million through its community club development programme.
Millionaire businessman and cricket benefactor Sir Christopher Ondaatje has stumped up £250,000 towards the construction costs.
As a mark of gratitude, the centre will be named after former Blundell's School pupil Sir Christopher. The University of Exeter have contributed cash and resources to the project. As well as £300,000 towards the build costs, the university has provided the site and the day-to-day management.
With an opening date in the diary, the hunt is now on for a suitable director of cricket to run it and cricket development at the University of Exeter. Applications for the £24,000-plus a year job have now closed and an interview shortlist in the process of being drawn up.
