A bid to open a new sports facility and train the next generation of cricket stars in County Durham has been submitted.
The owners of Newlands Sports in Langley Moor have submitted plans to expand the family business and open a new venue with indoor batting lanes, cricket bat manufacturing workshops and equipment storage.
Newlands Sports, established in February 2020, has evolved from a local sports retailer into a specialised provider of cricket and sports equipment and services. Originally trading from a unit at 46 High Street South, Langley Moor, the business outgrew its initial premises and relocated to a larger unit a few doors away in recent years.
A change of use application for a unit at Meadowfield Industrial Estate has been submitted to Durham County Council to incorporate the mixed-use development.
Peter Kettle, co-founder of Newlands Sports, said: “There is a large grassroots cricket community across County Durham, which we’ve been engaged with over the past seven years.
“As an ECB Level 2 Cricket Coach, I’ve had the pleasure to coach hundreds of youngsters and adults across the region and it’s this involvement within the community that has enabled our business to grow since launching during the pandemic in 2020.
“In recent years, we’ve identified a lack of indoor cricket facilities, with many players not able to play or train throughout the winter months.
“The incorporation of indoor cricket facilities goes a small way to satisfy a huge demand and will enable players to practice all year round. We are confident this solution will be successful and will attract more people to the surrounding area.”
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Newlands Sports currently owns the UK distribution rights for IXU Cricket, a South African cricket equipment manufacturer based in Pretoria. There will be apprenticeship opportunities for those studying woodwork qualifications when the workshop is established.
New jobs, community support and sustainable operations would all be created if plans are approved.
Amanda Kettle, co-founder Newlands Sports, added: “I was born in Bishop Auckland and have lived most of my life in the North East of England.
“I am proud to be a business owner in my home region and believe we offer a valued service to the local sports community and beyond. We are confident the relocation to the industrial unit will provide the perfect space to incorporate all the elements our business needs to continue to grow.”
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Plans to open new cricket centre to help train future stars in County Durham – The Northern Echo
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