GREENOCK Cricket Club has reached a £60,000 fundraising target after unlocking £40,000 of matched funding from the British Gas Energy for Tomorrow programme.
The successful campaign means the club can now move forward with an ambitious programme of sustainability and clubhouse improvements designed to reduce energy consumption, lower long-term operating costs and protect the future of the historic Greenock facility.
The project will include improvements to the club’s heating systems, insulation and lighting, alongside exploration of solar technology and wider infrastructure works.
British Gas provided £2 for every £1 raised by the club, with the campaign reaching the required £20,000 target to secure the full funding allocation.
Vice-president Rod Mountford, who led the club’s successful Energy for Tomorrow application and presentation, said the response had demonstrated the strength of support for the club within the community.
“We set ourselves a challenging target but the response has been incredibly humbling.To reach £20,000 and unlock the full £40,000 from British Gas is a huge achievement for the club and everyone who has contributed.”
“The project itself is about much more than infrastructure. It is about protecting a vital community asset and ensuring the club remains accessible, affordable and sustainable long into the future.
“We want to make sure that Greenock Cricket Club is here not just for the current generation but for the generations that follow.”
The club has increasingly developed its role as a wider community hub, supporting schools, charities, refugees, asylum seekers and various local organisations across Inverclyde.
It also works closely with Inverclyde Active Schools and regularly hosts community groups and fundraising events within its facilities.
Rod said: “One of the things that has been particularly encouraging has been the sense of ownership that has developed around the project.
“People have not simply been supporting a fundraising campaign. They have been investing in the future of a community facility that is used by far more people than just our cricket members.
“That gives us a real responsibility now to make sure we deliver a project that creates lasting benefits.”
He added: “There is still a lot of work to do but reaching this milestone gives us a fantastic platform to move forward.
“We are extremely grateful to everyone who has supported us and to British Gas for giving grassroots organisations like ours the opportunity to make these improvements.
“We are also really looking forward to developing an ongoing relationship with British Gas and Scottish Gas. Through their volunteers, there may be opportunities for us to bring valuable support to our community in new ways.
“This is a really positive moment for Greenock Cricket Club and we are excited about what we can achieve from here.”
