Decision details

To seek approval to accept the surrender of the existing lease of Sobraon Barracks Cricket field and pavilion with Lincoln University and agree terms for a new 25-year Lease and management agreement with Lincolnshire Cricket Ltd.

1.    That a surrender from Lincoln University of its existing Lease for the Sobraon Barracks cricket facilities be accepted by the Council.

2.    That a new 25-year lease and management agreement for the land and pavilion be granted to Lincolnshire Cricket.

3.    That the new lease to Lincolnshire Cricket Ltd at a peppercorn rent on the basis that the proposals for use and development of the site as detailed in this report were considered to contribute to the promotion or improvement of economic, social, or environmental wellbeing be granted.

To keep the existing Lease with Lincoln University. This would leave Sobraon Barracks unused for physical and recreational activities and would prevent the development of a women’s, girls and disabled cricket and recreational hub.

In 2012 the City Council agreed a 25-year lease at a peppercorn rent and management agreement with Lincoln University to manage and operate the Sobraon Barracks cricket field and pavilion, adjacent to the Territorial Army Barracks near Yarborough Leisure centre to promote cricket to University students and members of the local community. As part of this lease agreement significant improvements were made to the cricket field and cricket square. In addition, a completely new pavilion was opened in 2013 funded by the City Council, the University of Lincoln, and the ECB (England & Wales Cricket Board).

Since 2012, despite the significant improvements made to this site, the use of the cricket pitch and pavilion had not proved as popular as expected. Each year since this lease was first signed, the use of these facilities had reduced, the necessary income needed to maintain this site had not been generated and as a consequence, two years ago, the University took the decision to mothball the site.

This new Lease would enable Lincolnshire Cricket Ltd to deliver a high quality, centrally located facility with the capacity to deliver significant impact across a number of target areas, including girls and ladies’ cricket, women and girls’ recreational activities and female coach education.

Lincolnshire Cricket’s development plan featured a three phased approach to reinstating the Sobraon barracks cricket ground in a sustainable manner an estimated total cost of £140k to £160k.

This proposal provided the opportunity to invest in the facility to allow the re-introduction of cricket on the site. It would contribute to the range of sports offer across the city. The area would also be maintained as general recreational space for the local community, to contribute to the promotion and improvement of economic, social, and environmental wellbeing.