Hove’s beloved County Cricket Ground is set to improve once again, with fresh plans submitted for a reimagined hospitality and conference facility that builds on earlier masterplan proposals.
Building on solid foundations
When Phase 1 was completed in 2023, it marked the beginning of a long-term transformation. Now, Phase 2 is being brought to life – but the world has shifted considerably since the original designs were approved in 2020.
Economic pressures, rising construction costs, and a changing landscape for cricket in the UK have prompted Sussex County Cricket Club to take a fresh look at what the ground truly needs.
At the heart of the proposal is the consideration of the people using them – a welcoming arrival and purposeful experience from first-time visitors finding their way, to regular guests enjoying a match‑day or year-round event.
More than match days
Rather than a facility designed purely for the cricket season, the proposals champion flexibility. The new building will house adaptable conference and event spaces, with communal areas that can serve a broad spectrum of uses throughout the year – from business meetings and weddings to cultural events and community gatherings.
This flexibility is about ensuring the County Cricket Ground remains a vibrant, accessible venue that strengthens Hove’s social and cultural fabric, while also securing the club’s long-term sustainability.
A vision grounded in reality
The amended design responds directly to financial realities without compromising on ambition or quality. By refining the scale and layout, the scheme balances deliverability with lasting impact.
Navigating planning, phasing and operational constraints, we have listened to stakeholders to adapt the original design, refining proposals until they work visually, operationally and in context.
Discover the full vision for Sussex County Cricket Ground on our project page.
