Cannock Cricket Club wants talks with new multi-millionaire site owner
Cannock Cricket Club are hoping to meet the new owner of their home ground to discuss to future of the site.
Chase Park, home to Cannock Cricket & Hockey Club, was sold to multi-millionaire businessman Mo Chaudry at auction last month.
The 58-year-old has until later this month to complete the purchase of the 25-acre site, in Church Lane, Hatherton, after winning the auction with a bid of £1.45million.
His plans are not yet known, but in a brief statement, he told the Express & Star: “We haven’t completed yet, so at this stage it is too early to make any formal statement as to what our plans are.
“We plan to discuss options with all the interested parties and make a decision in due course. Our plans will evolve in the coming weeks.”
And Cannock Cricket Club honorary secretary Graham Machin said they are keen to discuss his plans while keeping open all options to secure the club’s future.
“We are available to speak to My Chaudry whenever he wishes,” said Mr Machin.
“It’s been a nightmare time for the clubs involved, we’re waiting to hear what his plans are.”
Mr Chaudry was born in Pakistan and came to the UK as a child with his family. He was raised in Wellington, Telford.
He owns the Waterworld leisure complex in Stoke-on-Trent as well as the M Club fitness chain.
The Chase Park site was locked up in June after going into receivership amid a wrangle between a developer and Sport England. In the meantime, the cricket and hockey club – which remain operational and separate from the Chase Park business – have been forced to play their matches and train away from their home of almost three decades.
Cannock Cricket Club has launched a fighting fund to secure their future amid suffering financially due to the lock-out.
To help, visit gofundme.com and search for Cannock Cricket Club.
