Indoor Cricket Centre, Edgbaston
This 8 Lane indoor practice centre provides facilities for professional cricketers and community groups alike. BPN in collaboration with David Morley Architects who have won several RIBA and other awards, and have worked extensively at Lords Cricket Ground, designed a versatile, functional, naturally lit and naturally ventilated building which delivers outstanding value for its low energy and low maintenance credentials.
As architects it was always our intention to give the building an external appearance which responded to the internal function and to the context which the elevations addressed. During the design process and in consultation with the City Planners, the idea of incorporating a terracotta plane of wall was formed to address the Pershore Road elevation.
At this point the potential of working with artists to create something unique was realised and Mark Renn and Mick Thacker were approached to join the Team to fulfil this goal. Birmingham based Renn & Thacker had worked with Bryant Priest Newman previously. Since the appointment of Renn and Thacker the artistic portion of the project has gathered considerable momentum and includes not only integrated artwork but an external lighting commission, a poetry commission, photography / documentation commission and an education programme run at the Midlands Art Centre (mac). The building is to be the only contemporary structure on Birmingham’s Terracotta Trail. Leading artist-photographer, Ravi Deepres, documented the progress of the Cricket Centre’s construction, as well as all aspects of the arts project.
“Everyone at the Club is very excited about this marvellous new Cricket Centre, which will offer the best facilities for coaching, practice and indoor matches. Public art is an important part of the project and the Club is delighted to be involving the local community in the first ever joint project within sport and the arts.” Dennis Amiss, Chief Executive, Warwickshire County Cricket Club
In addition to the practice space and changing rooms, the building accommodates office space for regional, youth and disabled cricket boards, a shop and a function room, bar with views into the practice area and a top floor outdoor terrace. The centre is well equipped for use by disabled users.
