Oxfordshire Cricket is thrilled to announce a new strategic partnership with gcp Chartered Architects, an employee-owned architectural practice and energy consultancy based in Bristol. Known for their innovative, sustainable design solutions and community-driven approach, gcp will play a key role in supporting the county’s Ten-Year Facilities Strategy, as well as becoming a vital partner in the development of the Future Leaders Academy.
gcp Chartered Architects will lend their extensive experience in the design and development of world-class cricket facilities, ensuring that clubs—both large and small—can maximise their potential. By focusing on sustainable, community-focused designs, gcp will help Oxfordshire Cricket create spaces that are not only performance-driven but also welcoming to all.
A cornerstone of this partnership is the Future Leaders Academy, a unique programme designed to equip young individuals with the leadership skills and experiences they need to become leaders and volunteers—not only in cricket but also in wider society. The Academy will provide participants with the opportunity to develop essential life skills through cricket, such as teamwork, communication, resilience, and leadership. The goal is to empower these young people, helping them build confidence, broaden their horizons, and positively impact their clubs and communities for years to come.
Nick Pinhol, Operations Director at Oxfordshire Cricket, expressed excitement about the new partnership, saying: “We are delighted to welcome gcp Chartered Architects as a key partner. Their proven expertise in delivering cricket projects, coupled with their commitment to sustainability and community-focused design, makes them the ideal partner for Oxfordshire Cricket. Their involvement will be central to the success of our Ten-Year Facilities Strategy, and their support will help us create a lasting legacy of improved cricket facilities across the county. Additionally, the Future Leaders Academy will offer young people invaluable life skills, benefiting them, their clubs, and the wider community for years to come.”
gcp Chartered Architects, added: ““gcp are excited to announce that we have recently partnered with Oxfordshire Cricket. At gcp, we have a passion for cricket and a reputation for developing the cricket facilities that often sit at the heart of a community. We’re looking forward to supporting Oxfordshire Cricket in their strategic priority areas, which (among others) include: Engaging children and young people, transforming women’s and girls’ cricket and supporting their communities.”
gcp Chartered Architects is one of the UK’s leading architectural firms for cricket facilities, with over 30 years’ experience and more than a decade working in close collaboration with the national governing body. Their team combines practical experience in sustainable design with certified Passivhaus Designer and Energy Assessment qualifications. gcp’s expertise in energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings ensures that Oxfordshire Cricket’s facilities will not only be high-performance and sustainable but also responsive to the evolving needs of the local community.
In addition to their design expertise, gcp will deliver a workshop at the 2025 Cricket Development Evening, titled “A Pragmatic Approach to the Design and Development of Cricket Clubs”. This session will provide valuable insights for both large and small facilities, offering practical solutions for maximising the potential of club spaces and ensuring their long-term sustainability. The workshop is expected to be an invaluable resource for anyone involved in the planning and development of cricket facilities in Oxfordshire and beyond.
This partnership between Oxfordshire Cricket and gcp Chartered Architects marks an exciting step forward in the development of cricket in the county, supporting the growth of the sport and the wider community through improved facilities, new opportunities for youth engagement, and leadership development.
About Oxfordshire Cricket
Oxfordshire Cricket is the governing body for the sport of cricket in Oxfordshire. We are committed to developing the game at all levels, from grassroots participation to elite performance, with a focus on fostering inclusivity, diversity, and leadership.
About gcp Chartered Architects
gcp Chartered Architects is an employee-owned architectural practice and energy consultancy based in Bristol. With over 30 years of experience, gcp specialises in creating energy-efficient, low-carbon buildings that help foster thriving, sustainable communities. They are highly regarded for their work on cricket projects, collaborating closely with the national governing body and delivering facilities that support both performance and community engagement. gcp’s projects range from pioneering green business parks to Passivhaus family homes, and they are known for their collaborative approach to delivering cost-effective, beautiful, and environmentally conscious buildings.