Blackpool Council strikes deal over cricket club land

The club had a lease with the council until 2034 to occupy its site on Common Edge Road.

But it will receive a total of £53,500 in return for surrendering parts of the land to the council to build infrastructure for the enterprise zone.

The club will continue to operate fully on a smaller site.

A council report says: “Parts of the leasehold land on the southern, northern and western boundaries of the leasehold area are needed to enable the construction of new roads, services and facilities in connection with the development of Blackpool Airport Enterprise Zone.

“Terms have been negotiated for the surrender of the lease held by South Shore Cricket and Squash Club, and for the grant of a new 25 year lease on a reduced area of for the main pavilion and playing area – and for a separate 25 year lease in respect of a detached site for use as a training area.”

The relinquished land will be used for the construction of new sports facilities including changing rooms, a car park, a footpath and cycleway, with compensation coming from the £18m enterprise zone development fund which includes £7.5m from Blackpool’s Town Deal.

Work has already begun to build the sports village including a 3G sports pitch, a replacement grass rugby pitch and training area which is due to be ready by next summer.

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