Parklane Group has become the latest Park Avenue – Bradford partner by signing a three-year agreement to support the multi-million pound redevelopment of the site.
Naveen Ahmed, Parklane Group’s Managing Director, has pledged his support for the project which enables local cricketers to net free of charge in the brand new eight-lane net facility.
Park Avenue, which has previously hosted 306 First-Class and 48 List A matches, is a unique concept and gives Bradford national recognition for using cricket as a positive vehicle for social inclusion.
England Test captain Joe Root was among a host of England internationals and Yorkshire cricketers past and present, who cut the ribbon to formally open the first stage of the regeneration programme in May 2017.
Park Avenue hosted First-Class Yorkshire matches for a century before losing its status as an out-ground in 1996. Since then it has found itself in a state of ruin. That is, until part of the £5.5million needed was funded by the ECB, Sport England and Bradford Council, to see the ambitious plans gather pace.
Andy Dawson, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Commercial Director, said: “We are delighted and extremely grateful that Naveen has committed to become a partner of Park Avenue. We have been neighbours in Headingley for some time, are proud members of the Leeds Golf Centre and regularly use Roomzzz (both owned by The Parklane Group) for our overseas players.
“We are currently looking for people with a huge passion for cricket in the Yorkshire area to support with funding, ensuring that cricket facilities are accessible for the Bradford community. All funding will be used to ensuring the facilities stay open for community use.”
Over the last four decades, The Parklane Group has earned a reputation for being a market leader in property and leisure. The Headingley-based business boasts a substantial property holding in the UK but importantly with family values at the heart of everything they do.
Naveen Ahmed, Parklane Group Director, said: “On behalf of The Parklane Group, I am absolutely delighted to be backing this excellent and much needed facility at Bradford Park Avenue, which provides free access to cricket nets for local young people.
“This support comes through our Parklane Foundation. The Parklane Foundation has at its heart values which support social inclusion, and I believe becoming a Partner of Park Avenue is a fantastic way for The Parklane Group to promote these values.
“It gives me real pride to back such an excellent project, which will make a difference to the lives of so many young people in Bradford and Yorkshire. I look forward to visiting Park Avenue over the coming months, and seeing the progress that our investment will help to bring.”
