Sussex County Cricket Club Masterplan

ECE Architecture

Reimagining the 1st Central County Ground with a comprehensive masterplan that balances sporting excellence, commercial viability, and the unique coastal character of this historic venue.

Spectator experience stands at the heart of our approach. Working closely with Sussex County Cricket Club, we crafted a masterplan that elevates the journey from arrival to departure, transforming how visitors engage with this iconic coastal ground while securing its commercial future.

Our masterplan encompasses the complete redevelopment of the southwest corner, creating a new welcoming entrance on Eaton Road, 5-star conference and event facilities, modernised club offices, and significantly improved spectator amenities throughout the ground.

The project is delivered in several phases, ensuring continuous operation of the club while maximising development potential. Phase One saw the successful delivery of Tate Residences, comprising 37 apartments, a vibrant bar and restaurant, and 1,752m² of commercial space, establishing a strong foundation for the ground’s transformation.

The spectator journey has been reimagined from first principles. Our design reinstates the historic Tate Gate as a proper focal point, creating a sense of arrival worthy of the venue’s heritage.

Comprehensive improvements to circulation, wayfinding, seating, and amenities ensure supporters enjoy a seamless, enjoyable experience, whether attending international fixtures or county matches.

Beyond match days, commercial sustainability drives our approach. New hospitality spaces, conference facilities, and year-round amenities create diverse revenue streams while enhancing the club’s community presence. Sustainability features prominently through building retrofits where practical, biodiversity net gain linking the pitch to new plantings, solar panels, heat recovery systems, and provisions for sustainable transport – all contributing to excellent BREEAM ratings.

Navigating the site’s proximity to a conservation area presented significant challenges, particularly for the gateway development at the entrance. Through meticulous massing studies and analysis, we presented multiple options to design panels, refining our approach to respect the historical context. When designing new stands, we conducted extensive testing to mitigate impacts on neighbouring residential properties, balancing development ambitions with community sensitivity.

This transformative masterplan secures the future of the UK’s only coastal county cricket ground, preserving its distinctive atmosphere while elevating the experience for players, spectators, and the wider community. By balancing commercial realities with sporting heritage, we’ve created a framework for Sussex County Cricket Club to thrive for generations to come.