Somerset County Cricket Club - Joel’s and Block 5

Client: Somerset County Cricket Club

Value: £370,000

Services Provided: Feasibility Study, Master Planning, Concept Development, Planning Stage Design, Planning Application, Detailed Design, Construction Stage Support, Principal Designer (CDM), Principal Designer (BSA), Contract Administrator.

RIBA Stages 0-7

Redevelopment of the Joel Garner Gates and adjacent food and beverage units at Somerset County Cricket Ground.

gcp was appointed by Somerset County Cricket Club to develop a concept design for the northwest corner of the County Cricket Ground in Taunton. The site comprised the underutilised Joel Garner Gate, and an adjacent concessions unit which had recently become vacant.

gcp considered a variety of options to make best use of this area on matchdays as well as non-match days.

Alterations to Block 5 of the Somerset Stand created an additional bar area with improved capacity for the larger T20 and international fixtures.

The previously vacant F&B unit has been transformed into ‘Joel’s’. A matchday and non-matchday bar for cricket fans, which doubles as a VIP area during key events and additional site entry point before games.

With a total construction phase of 12 weeks, this project demonstrates how minor interventions can make a considerable impact on matchday experience and operational efficiency.