Work on the redevelopment of the historic Trent Bridge Pavilion has reached a major milestone as the completion of the steel frame reveals the silhouette of a building that will shape a step-change in facilities for members and players alike.
With completion expected in the summer of 2026, work continues at pace to construct the frame, walls, floors and roofing before attention turns to the interior fit-out.
“This project was first conceptualised by staff and committee members many years ago, but it’s the players and members of today who will feel the leap forward when we open the doors,” said Nottinghamshire’s Interim Chief Executive Michael Temple.
“Expectations had progressed way beyond what the original building was capable of delivering, and we’ve worked incredibly hard to design and build every detail that’s required to service men’s and women’s teams equitably, to host the biggest major matches and to raise the matchday experience for our members.
“Modernisation was required, but we also want to ensure that our heritage and the feeling of the Trent Bridge Pavilion is retained. Our architects, main contractor and interior designer are central to that and they have taken the brief from the club to plan a finished product of which I’m sure anyone that has any association with Trent Bridge will be incredibly proud.”
In addition to four pitch-facing dressing rooms, the Pavilion will also feature a sympathetically-remodelled Long Room and members’ bar with a modern Victorian theme, heritage displays in a new level-access members’ entrance, with lifts to all floors and a host of facilities required by ECB standards.
“It has been a huge honour working on a building of this prestige and that hasn’t been lost on any of us working on the scheme, in particular those key individuals amongst the consultants, contractors, sub-contractors and advisers who have poured so much in to the project,” said Matthew Letts of principal architects Letts Wheeler.
“As architects, it’s great to see plans coming off the page and turning into bricks and mortar, but the biggest satisfaction we’ll get is when we see players and members enjoying the use of the Pavilion and getting so much more out of it.
"There’s enormous interest in the building, and the vlub have done a remarkable job in accommodating everyone elsewhere in the ground while the works continue, but it will be a proud moment when we see the ribbon being cut.”
Main contractors A&S won a competitive tender process to earn the right to lead the construction of the building, with its changing shape evident to those who have visited Trent Bridge since the championship-winning celebrations of September.
“In the summer, there was a lot of demolition work that had to happen before we began to rise out of the ground and get to the position we’re in today where anyone walking past the site can see the true elevation of this extension,” said A&S Enterprises Ltd Commercial Director Simon Kerry.
“As with any project involving a building where elements of restoration are required, it’s only when you peel back the plaster that you see the true fabric of the place, and we’ve had to work to overcome some unexpected discoveries. But it’s part of the process and it’s been great to get to the point where the steel is in place, the concrete floors have been poured and we’re able to get multiple teams of tradespeople working concurrently.”
The club have committed to share further updates on the progress of the build in the new year.
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