As part of its social value commitment on the Chesterfield College Life Science and Engineering Project, delivered through the YORbuild3 Medium Works Framework, Robertson Construction Group has completed a significant improvement project at Blackwell Cricket Club, helping to preserve a much-loved local facility.

Delivered entirely as Benefit in Kind under the YOR4Good initiative, the project saw Robertson provide labour, materials and supply chain support to repair and stabilise the cricket club’s deteriorating perimeter wall. The works have strengthened the grounds and helped ensure the continued use of the site by local residents, sports teams and event organisers throughout the year.

Located at Primrose Hill, Blackwell, the cricket club is a well-established asset at the heart of the village. Home to local cricket and football teams, as well as community events, family activities and informal recreation, the grounds play an important role in supporting health, wellbeing and social connection.

By preserving the facility, the project will help sustain opportunities for participation, social interaction and community engagement.

Addressing a Critical Structural Issue

With part of the wall already fallen and further sections showing signs of deterioration, immediate intervention was needed to protect the integrity of the grounds.

Robertson carried out a comprehensive package of improvement works, including:

• Rebuilding the collapsed section of wall
• Re-pointing damaged and cracked brickwork
• Installing helical bar reinforcement to stabilise movement
• Repairing several perimeter wall pillars
• Reducing the height of gate pillars
• Backfilling and securing the surrounding area

Supporting Sport and Wellbeing

The initiative has delivered a number of lasting benefits, including:

• Maintaining an operational facility for sport and recreation
• Supporting local cricket and football clubs to continue delivering activities for residents
• Addressing risks associated with the deteriorating wall structure
• Protecting a valued community asset with more than 130 years of history
• Preserving access to an important green space for the parish’s 4,700 residents
• Helping maintain a venue for events, gatherings and local activities

The works also contribute to the long-term sustainability of a site that holds a special place in the community, including its connection to a world-record ninth-wicket cricket partnership achieved in 1910.

Collaborative Delivery

Robertson managed stakeholder engagement throughout the project, working closely with Blackwell Parish Council and representatives from Blackwell Cricket Club to ensure the works were delivered efficiently and with minimal disruption.

The project was overseen on site by a Senior Site Manager, with support from the wider project team including Sam Scaife (Senior Quantity Surveyor), Maisie Doherty (Assistant Quantity Surveyor) and Marta Langton (Social Impact Manager), who acted as key points of contact throughout delivery.

Careful planning enabled the works to be completed efficiently while allowing the grounds to return to normal use as quickly as possible.

Creating a Lasting Legacy

The completed project demonstrates how schemes delivered through YORhub frameworks can create meaningful social value beyond the construction programme itself.

The repair work was delivered with a value of approximately £35,093.50. This figure represents the full scope of works delivered on site, as well as the cumulative value of staff time and resources contributed throughout the project lifecycle.

Blackwell Parish Councillor, Ian Newham, commented: “The appearance and safety of the wall has greatly improved. The work completed has secured the future of this vital piece of history in Blackwell Parish and the wider county of Derbyshire. The work has been carried out to a high standard and we are really pleased with the result. Thank you.”

Robertson Construction Group website