8th August 2025
| Laura Goode
Menai Bridge Cricket Club Unveils State-of-the-Art Community Pavilion Following Major Redevelopment
Menai Bridge Cricket Club has proudly unveiled its newly extended and modernised pavilion, marking a major milestone in the Club’s journey from a cricket only venue to a thriving multi-use community hub for the whole of Anglesey.
Funded through a combination of grants (including ECB support), sponsorships, community fundraising and strategic partnerships, and guided by Cricket Wales’ Facilities Lead Victoria Jones, the newly completed pavilion extension was officially opened by Former Glamorgan and England Cricketer, Matt Maynard, who has close family ties to Menai Bridge. As one of Wales’ most respected cricketing figures, his support underlines the importance of community driven sport.
“It’s an honour to be part of today’s celebrations,” said Maynard. “What Menai Bridge Cricket Club has achieved here goes far beyond cricket. This is a model of how sport can drive community engagement and a strong sense of togetherness. Facilities like these grow the game and they also grow communities.”
On a beautiful Friday evening, the club grounds were buzzing with life as All Stars, Dynamos, and community cricket sessions took place against the stunning backdrop of Snowdon and the Menai Strait. Local residents, business owners, MP’s, representatives from community groups and sports organisations gathered to celebrate a facility that has already become a cornerstone of local life and is now ready to do even more.
The unveiling marks the culmination of several years of development, following overwhelming community feedback on the need for better indoor facilities, improved accessibility, and increased capacity for events and gatherings.
From its modest beginnings in a wooden shed, the pavilion was first built in 2005 to serve a growing cricket club. Since then, Menai Bridge CC has evolved into one of the area’s most active and inclusive community venues.
The new facility now boasts a large communal indoor space with catering for up to 100 diners, a fully equipped kitchen, an extended and modern bar area, separate male, female, and accessible toilets and changing facilities, Wi-Fi connectivity and presentation infrastructure for meetings and conferences, improved accessibility with a new pram and wheelchair friendly pathway, extended free car parking and upgraded lighting, dual-aspect outdoor decking overlooking the pitch.
“This project is a testament to what’s possible when communities work together,” said Robbie Jones, Chair and Project Lead at Menai Bridge CC.
“We’ve listened to local residents, schools, sports clubs, and businesses every step of the way. We’ve made design decisions always with accessibility in mind ensuring that the club is a truly inclusive space. What we’ve built is a lasting community asset for Anglesey, open to everyone, all year round.
“This all could not have been possible had it not been for the tireless hard work of the committee, our members and volunteers.”
Barry Cawte, CEO of Cricket Wales, said, “Menai Bridge Cricket Club is a shining example of what can be achieved when sport and community come together. Victoria at Cricket Wales has worked very closely with Menai Bridge to create a welcoming, inclusive space that meets the needs of the wider community."
Victoria Jones added, “Robbie and his team should be incredibly proud of what they have created on this project. I believe it will serve as a model for clubs across Wales looking to grow both the game and their local impact. Clubs are the heart of the local community and at Cricket Wales we work hard to ensure we protect what’s precious at these well-loved clubs, whilst revolutionising their future."
The pavilion extension is the result of extensive consultation, including a 2022 Community Needs Survey which received nearly 700 responses, a clear sign of strong local engagement. Feedback showed an overwhelming desire for a larger, more inclusive, and more functional venue.
This community-led approach has guided every step of the project, with input from a broad network of partners including Cricket Wales, Anglesey Council, Mon Actif, local schools, and businesses. Their combined support, alongside volunteer labour, professional advice, and sustained local enthusiasm, made this ambitious redevelopment possible.
The new facility is designed to serve the entire community for decades to come. The club’s governance is evolving to reflect this wider focus, ensuring the club remains inclusive and responsive to the needs of all users.
Menai Bridge CC remains volunteer run, but with increasing demand and usage, plans are in place to collaborate with partner organisations to co-manage the facility and explore sustainable employment models for its future operation.
The completion of the pavilion marks a new chapter in Menai Bridge CC’s role as a community anchor. With enhanced capacity and year-round usability, the venue is now open for everything from youth training, to business conferences, fundraisers, family parties, and sports tournaments.
“This has been a long time coming, but it’s just the beginning,” said Robbie Jones. “We’re proud to have created a space that reflects our community's needs and ambitions, a place where people can connect, celebrate, learn and grow, together.”
Cricket Wales can assist clubs in accessing funding and provide support for all club development. Please get in touch with our Facilities Team Lead Victoria Jones- Email: [email protected]