Derbyshire’s plans to expand the club off the field have been boosted after a £412,500 grant was approved by the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund.
The money from DEGF, a £20million grant run by Derby City Council, was given the go-ahead by an independent investment panel and will enable the county to employ 30 more people as they attempt to become a year-round business.
The news comes just two months after Derby City Council Cabinet approved a £2.4million investment for Derbyshire to redevelop the 3aaa County Ground.
Work has already started during the winter on a £1million state-of-the-art elite cricket performance centre, a new conference and events venue plus upgraded members’ facilities.
Derbyshire are expected to invest £4.4million in facilities at the County Ground between now and the summer of 2017.
@DerbyshireCCC I am delighted to announce that we've managed to secure a £412,500 grant from @DEGFund to assist us in growing off the field
— Christopher Grant (@DCCCChair) March 27, 2015
Derbyshire chairman Chris Grant said: “A cricket team that’s successful on the national stage will put Derbyshire on the map as a destination for visitors and a great place to live and work.
“Investment in our conference & events facilities is key to achieving those ambitions and we’re delighted to have secured this additional injection of capital.
“Our own £1million investment will now be augmented by investment from the Derby Enterprise Growth Fund and we are using Derbyshire construction firms and Derbyshire maintenance companies.
“We will source local Derbyshire food and drink which will be served by locally based Derbyshire staff.
@DerbyshireCCC I am hugely grateful to the faith shown in our vision by @CllrBanwait & his team @DerbyCC pic.twitter.com/zp702x3asW
— Christopher Grant (@DCCCChair) March 27, 2015
“The revenue we generate will be directly reinvested into the development of the next generation of Derbyshire cricketers, who will make the county proud and inspire others to get involved in cricket.”
Ranjit Banwait, leader of Derby City Council, said: “Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s expansion plans are great news for Derby.
“It will attract more visitors into the city, build on the leisure offer and create much needed local jobs for local people.
“Derby Enterprise Growth Fund has been an astounding success and continues to be a lifeline for ambitious and innovative businesses in a wide range of sectors.
“Due to the unparalleled success of DEGF, the fund will be available to support businesses for years to come.”