A CRICKET club has been bowled over after £600,000 refurbishment works were completed.

Colchester and East Essex Cricket Club was able to fund an extension as part of the major revamp to its premises in Catchpool Road, Colchester.

First built in the 1970s, the pavilion now boasts a brand new changing block, providing extra facilities to ensure all matches can have segregated areas for officials, juniors, men and women to change.

Gazette: Fresh look - the bar area inside the venueFresh look - the bar area inside the venue (Image: Newsquest)

Club bosses say the new facilities will enable more people from the community to access the pavilion and participate in sport, with the site being fully accessible.

They added a new patio and platform lift is now in place, as well as a complete revamp of the existing clubhouse, bar kitchen and toilets.

Chairman Andrew Kennedy said the works have made a “huge difference” to the club.

Gazette: Meeting - a room inside the pavilionMeeting - a room inside the pavilion (Image: Newsquest)

“This project has enabled the cricket club and its facilities to become more accessible to a far greater range of the community, all year round,” he added.

“We now have a more structured changing area to allow a greater range of people to be involved with the sport.”

Money provided came in the form of a £200,000 grant from Sport England, £125,000 from Colchester Council and £70,000 from Tarmac Landfill.

Gazette: Smart - a revamped roomSmart - a revamped room (Image: Newsquest)

Other major donors included Enovert Community Trust, Sporting Capital, Garfield Weston Foundation, plus Essex and Southend Sports Trust.

Rural Community Council of Essex, Essex Cricket in the Community and Essex County Council were also among the contributors.

Mr Kennedy continued: “In addition, the refurbishment of the bar and lounge area mean that we can hold more social events for the community too.

Gazette: View - a roomView - a room (Image: Newsquest)

“New income generated from the upgrades will be used to maintain the club and to host more social and recreational events for the local community, ensuring our long-term future.”

The chairman also offered his thanks to club sponsors Positive Waste Solutions, Birkett Long, Sibbons and St James’ Place.