A remarkable multi-year community partnership culminates in Headingley today as St Chad’s Broomfield Cricket Club officially unveils its brand-new, student-designed clubhouse.
Opening its doors on Sunday afternoon, the timber-clad project represents a triumphant turnaround for a historic local sports asset that, just over a decade ago, was staring down an incredibly uncertain future.
Students from Leeds Beckett University’s School of Architecture and the Abstract Machine Studio stepped up to the crease, working hand-in-hand with local stakeholders across successive cohorts to design a bespoke replacement.
To maximise community ownership and keep construction costs to a minimum, the team promoted a strict self-build approach.
Specialised contractors were kept to a minimum, handling only the initial foundations, roofing, and glazing.
The main superstructure utilised an advanced, insulated timber cassette system manufactured off-site by Hull-based firm BlokBuild, marking the first time this technology has been deployed in a community self-build project.
In an impressive display of local teamwork, the entire superstructure was erected by university students and cricket club members in a whirlwind ten-day blitz.
Take an exclusive look around the new pavilion ahead of today’s opening with our gallery below.
7. St Chad's Broomfield Cricket Club's new pavilion
…, the insulated timber superstructure was completely erected by university students and club members in just ten days. | National World Resell
8. St Chad's Broomfield Cricket Club's new pavilion
Students from the Leeds College of Building also stepped in to participate in the final fit-out. | National World Resell
9. St Chad's Broomfield Cricket Club's new pavilion
The official grand opening celebrations are taking place today from 2pm through to 11pm, with the official ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for 6:30pm. | National World Resell
