Proposed Pavilion, Blackpool Cricket Club, Mere Road, Blackpool

Halsted Best’s proposals were seemingly not progressed. A less costly pavilion was built in 1924-5 i9n Stanley Park and formally opened on 5 August 1925

£10,000 CRICKET PAVILION - Cricket. the favourite summer pastime, is growing considerably in popularity. There is an ever-increasing number of players as well as spectators and new clubs are arising all over the country, Blackpool is in the unhappy position of possessing far too few cricket fields; in fact. the only ground in the town. apart from school playing' fields. is probably that of the Blackpool Cricket Clun. This is a splendid and charmingly situated ground, but it lacks a handsome and commodious pavilion, one befitting a town whose motto is "Progress,"

The present pavilion is quite inadequate for a club of any standing in the cricket world. The ground is in Blackpool's new park scheme, but it is greatly to be hoped that the ground will continue indefinitely to be given over to the great summer sport under the control of the Cricket Club. Granted that assurance, there are hopes of seeing a handsome new pavilion erected in the near future. The possession of such a pavilion would place Blackpool in the happy position of being able to establish a Cricket Festival on the lines of the one which is held with such success every year at Scarborough. Other seaside towns also have their Cricket Weeks and fortnights and a Blackpool Cricket Festival would undoubtedly prove an immense attraction and give a advertisement to the town. In the years before the war, several Cricket Weeks were held in Blackpool, and the visit of Lancashire and other famous county clubs was very popular and drew thousands of cricket lovers to the town.

The present pavilion accommodation is so limited that it is impossible to invite county teams to visit Blackpool. It is thought, however, that Lancashire County Club would view with favour a proposal that some of the minor county matches should be decided here each year if Blackpool could boast a suitable pavilion for no doubt the "gates" here would be quite equal to those at Old Trafford if seating was arranged. The Cricket Club Committee have approved plans for a new pavilion which has been designed by Mr Halsted Best, architect, of Blackpool. Of course, the pavilion cannot be commenced until appropriate local support is forthcoming, but there is no doubt that the outlay would be money well spent.

Provision is in the plans for a pavilion to consist of two floors, with a members' enclosure in six terraces, capable of seating approximately 300 members. On the ground floor, provision made on either side of a large open loggia for the home and visiting teams. The home team will have separate cloakroom accommodation, and separate compartments containing lockers for senior and junior members. Adjoining the room set apart for visiting team is provided separate lavatory accommodation, in addition to a shower bath. 

From the loggia, entrance is gained to a large room, part of which it is intended, would be set apart for a Function room and the remainder as a refreshment room for the public. The bar is so arranged that it may be used by both the luncheon and refreshment rooms. By the removal of a partition the whole could be then thrown into one for the purposes of an assembly room. Behind the bar is a kitchen, with a serving hatch opening direct to the luncheon room, larder, caterer's compartment and stores, with provision of a room for amateurs and committee.
 
On the upper floor, which may be entered from the refreshment room or from Mere Road. provision is made in the plans for a large billiard room, a bar, card room, newsroom, and stores room with secretary's office and a self-contained flat for a caretaker with a living room, pantry, bathroom and three bedrooms.

Over the loggia is a balcony for the serving of teas, the catering being done from the caretaker's quarters, and at the rear of the balcony, raised so as to command a clear view of the field, are provided 
A room for the scorer, another for the Press and a telephone box. Over these rooms, It  is suggested, would be placed a large score board, and surmounting the building a large clock. The site of the proposed pavilion is parallel with Mere Road. but set back twenty to thirty feet, and facing direct south. so as to get the maximum of sunshine. It is proposed that the building should be erected of b t plaster, brick with stone dressing and timber work. gable inset with white cement. and the letters "B. C. C." conspicuously in black on each gable. The cost of the whole scheme is estimated at about £10,000. [Fleetwood Chronicle 6 January 1922 page 8]

Reference    Fleetwood Chronicle 6 January 1922 page 8 with sketch