Work is now underway to refurbish the Long Room at Emerald Headingley ahead of the 2020 season.
Following feedback from its Members, work to improve the look and feel of the Long Room has now begun. The renovation includes a brand-new bar, new ceiling and new flooring.
A lounging area will also be created in the Long Room to offer more comfortable seating options for Members. Yorkshire memorabilia celebrating its heritage will be an integral part of the design, providing a warmer White Rose feel to the Members’ home.
Speaking about the Long Room refurbishment, Mark Arthur, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive said: “Over the last couple of years, we have had to concentrate on the development of the Emerald Stand and refurbishment of the Pavilion. This was whilst recognising, along with feedback from Members, that the Long Room was looking tired.
“I promised Members at last year’s AGM that we would do it this year and I am pleased to update you that the work started on the 2nd February. The newly refurbished Long Room will be open and ready for the first Championship match of the season against Gloucestershire.
“The main change will be the bar, which will not only look more presentable, but will also help to speed up the service on matchdays and at non-matchday events. There will be new flooring and a new ceiling, and we have asked Paul Goodman (Yorkshire Cricket Foundation’s Heritage Manager) to strategically place Yorkshire memorabilia and artefacts arounds the room to give it a real cricket feel.
“We want to make sure that Members feel more than comfortable in their facility, and that they are proud to use it. Longer term, we will be looking to replace the furniture, but it is very much one step at a time.
“Whilst we have had a fantastic financial year in 2019 and we have been able to pay back a large percentage of our debts, 2020 will be a tough year for us financially. This is because we are not hosting a Test Match. I believe that the two T20 internationals will be a huge success, both being virtually sold out already, but Test Matches do cover an awful lot of our overheads.
“If it wasn’t for The Hundred, we would be facing a worse than break even scenario. Although we are always looking to improve our facilities and listen to our Members and their priorities, we must live within our financial means.”
Due to the development work, the 2020 AGM will take place in the Emerald Suite in March.
The Club will provide updates on the progress of the Long Room refurbishment over the coming weeks on yorkshireccc.com.
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