As part of Blackpool Council’s regeneration works and social value commitment, Bambers Remedial Contractors partnered with South Shore Cricket Club to enhance community facilities. The project aligned with broader initiatives to support grassroots sport and youth engagement, particularly encouraging young women to take part in cricket.

Duration

Completion May 2025

The works were carefully scheduled to fit around the cricket club’s requirements, with oversight from our Managing Director, Dave Bamber. Coordination with Blackpool Council, Blackpool Enterprise Zone, and one other local contractor ensured smooth delivery.

Key Improvements Included

• Full decoration of the bar and lounge area, provided free of charge in partnership with another local contractor.
• Supervision, PPE provision, and support for local girls who helped with decorating, fostering skills and community involvement.
• MD-level time investment: Dave Bamber personally managed scheduling and stakeholder coordination.
• Supply and installation of new quartz counters and improvements to the clubhouse facilities.
• Removal and renewal of five domed skylights to improve safety and building condition

Challenges & Solutions

Delivering the project required close coordination between multiple stakeholders while working around the cricket club’s busy schedule. Quality outcomes also had to be achieved within a short timeframe and aligned with community expectations.

To overcome these challenges:

• Our senior leadership provided hands on management, ensuring flexibility and rapid decision making.
• Close collaboration with Blackpool Council, Blackpool Enterprise Zone, and the other contractor ensured alignment and seamless delivery.
• Involving local young women in the decorating created an opportunity for skills development, while also enhancing the sense of community ownership.

Value Added

• A refreshed, welcoming clubhouse encouraging greater youth and female participation in sport.
• Skills development opportunities for local young women.

• Direct delivery of social value outcomes linked to Blackpool Council’s regeneration framework.
• Positive publicity tied to BBC’s Freddie Flintoff’s Field of Dreams series, showcasing community investment.

For Bambers

• Reinforced reputation as a contractor that prioritises community benefit and collaboration.
• Strengthened partnerships with local authorities, housing associations, and sports organisations.

Acknowledgements

We thank Aimi O’Donell (Blackpool Council) for linking us with Mark Harrison (Blackpool Enterprise Zone), who coordinated the works with the club.