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Artists hope pavilion will bowl fans over
ARCHITECTS have unveiled plans for a cricket pavilion that promises to be a dramatic new landmark at the world-famous Headingley stadium.
A rainscreen cladding made of triangular perforated metal panels and triangular windows would be among the eye-catching design features of the new five-storey building, which Leeds Metropolitan University and Yorkshire County Cricket Club want to build at the Kirkstall Lane end of the ground.
The panels would change in shade and tone depending on the light.
The existing winter shed stand and media centre will be demolished to make way for the new pavilion which will include a media centre, changing and officials' rooms, spectator seating, hospitality facilities, offices, lecture theatres and teaching spaces for the university's School of Tourism, Hospitality and Events.
As part of the innovative design, a dual-use lecture theatre will be available for spectators on match days. External walling material will be mechanically raised to reveal seating behind a large glazed panel.
The raised walling will provide a canopy above the glass.
The scheme is seen as vital to help ensure Headingley retains its status as a test match venue.
A report to the council's west plans panel said: "The implications for the cricket club of not securing a modern media facility could be the loss of test match cricket at Headingley."
It added that such a loss would be a blow to the city's efforts to increase its international profile.
It also acknowledged that the pavilion would have an impact on the surrounding neighbourhood.
The building would accommodate up to 850 people during university term time and a maximum of 1,000 people during a major cricket fixture.
It is still a "work in progress" and design negotiations between the architects, SMC Alsop, and the council are continuing but councillors were largely encouraging when they received a presentation on the latest ideas. Coun Neil Taggart (Lab, Bramley) said: "It is different and will be shocking for some people but it is about making a statement and doing something new and fresh.
"Selfridges store in Birmingham and The Sage at Newcastle shocked some people but they are effective."
Coun Stuart Andrew (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: "Other stadia have been successful in having something different that stands out. The ground is world renowned and this would be world recognised."
Coun Jamie Matthews (Lib Dem, Headingley) said it was important the the facilities at Headingley were improved but he added that he had some issues with the "dramatic and therefore controversial" design.
He said it was important residents were fully consulted.
A decision on the application could be made later this summer.
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Weather for Leeds
Sunday 12 February 2012
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