The Yorkshire County Cricket Club (YCCC) has assumed full use of the iconic Carnegie Pavilion.
Built as a joint project with Leeds Beckett University, and completed in 2010, the Carnegie Pavilion has provided teaching and office facilities for LBU, as well as playing, media, office and hospitality space for Yorkshire Cricket.
Given the University’s investment in arts and sports in the city, LBU has agreed for the freehold title to be handed to YCCC.
Paul Hudson, The Yorkshire County Cricket Club Finance Director said: “This is a really positive move for both Yorkshire Cricket and Leeds Beckett University.
“By acquiring freehold ownership, the club is now able to continue the development of the Carnegie Pavilion into a leading cricket facility which will benefit Yorkshire and England cricket for years to come.
“Taking ownership will provide the club with more commercial opportunities through an enhanced hospitality experience and provide non-cricket revenue streams. This will also benefit our various education programmes through the Yorkshire Cricket Foundation.
“Following the completion of the Members’ Long Room refurbishment in May and the opening of the Emerald Stand last year, we are truly excited about this next phase in the history of Emerald Headingley.
“I would like to thank Leeds Beckett for all its support, and we look forward to our relationship continuing to grow for years to come. I would also like to thank our advisors Clarion, Garbutt and Elliott, and Sanderson Weatherall.”
Trevor Armour, Director of Estates at Leeds Beckett University, said: “The partnership with Yorkshire County Cricket Club continues to go from strength to strength and we are very proud to play an active role in developing the Carnegie Pavilion into a leading cricket facility.
“We’ve always had a tremendous working relationship with YCCC and this is another example of us working together to achieve our goals in sport and for our region.
“Leeds Beckett is committed to investing in the area to support the student experience, and the construction of the new £45m Carnegie School of Sport and £80m Leeds School of Arts buildings epitomise this pledge.
“Both bespoke buildings will include a wealth of outstanding facilities to ensure that our university continues to attract the best and most talented students, forming part of the economic, cultural and social contribution to Leeds, and further cementing our position in the city’s DNA.”
