The exclusive Hurlingham Club in Fulham has submitted plans to construct a brand-new, accessible cricket pavilion, aiming to replace a decades-old structure that no longer meets modern standards or accessibility requirements.
Lavish Club Seeks Modern Facilities
The prestigious private members' club, where annual membership is reported to cost £1,400, has applied to Hammersmith and Fulham Council for permission to build the new wooden pavilion. The club, established in 1869 and set within 42 acres of landscaped grounds near the Thames, is recognised as one of the world's finest private clubs and is considered the birthplace of polo.
The application states the existing pavilion is over 30 years old and is formed from two portable cabins that have reached the end of their operational life. It lacks crucial facilities, including changing rooms for match officials and, notably, toilets for spectators. Furthermore, it offers no level access for less mobile visitors or wheelchair users.
Design and Proposed Use
The proposed new building will draw on traditional cricket pavilion architecture, featuring a pitched roof, deep verandas, and crafted timber details. At 165 square metres, it will be almost double the size of the current structure.
The club's planning report confirms the pavilion will provide:
- Level access to a clubroom and servery.
- Umpire changing rooms and toilets.
- Essential accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.
Beyond the summer cricket season, the facility will serve croquet players who use the winter pitches on the cricket ground and act as a resting point for members walking the grounds. It will also be utilised by the club's children's groups, the Young Hurlingham and Hartbeeps.
Meeting Modern Expectations and Guidelines
The Hurlingham Club stated the current pavilion fails to meet the expectations of its members and visitors, and also does not comply with English Cricket Board (ECB) guidelines. The new build is designed to rectify this, ensuring inclusivity.
The club's main Grade II listed mansion, Hurlingham House, already houses extensive facilities including restaurants, gym spaces, indoor tennis, padel, and pickleball courts, and an indoor pool. This pavilion upgrade represents a significant improvement to its outdoor sporting infrastructure.
The planning application has been validated by the local council and is awaiting a decision, though a specific date has not yet been set. The club, which boasts a closed membership list reviewed annually, counts the Princess of Wales among its members and is synonymous with elite sports and social facilities in West London.
