A new Multi-Faith Room has been opened at The Incora County Ground, as the latest inclusive addition and ground development project is unveiled at the venue in 2023.
The Multi-Faith Room, which is based on the ground floor of the WDS Business and Media Centre, will be available to use during matchdays at The Incora County Ground, as well as events and conferences and will be a space for people of all faiths to spend time in prayer or contemplation.
A new toilet block and Family Changing Area have also been installed at the ground, meaning spectators based in the Showcase Cinema de-Lux Family Stand can now have easier access to family-friendly facilities. This leads on from the addition of a new toilet block at the City End of The Incora County Ground and accessible wheelchair viewing bays, as part of the continued effort to make the venue one of the most inclusive in the country.
The Multi-Faith Room was opened by representatives from Derby City Council, the England and Wales Cricket Board, Derbyshire County Cricket Club, Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and England’s Derbyshire-born batter, Bess Heath, ahead of England’s Vitality IT20 against Sri Lanka, which was played in front of a record crowd for a women’s international fixture at Derby.
Derbyshire Chief Executive, Ryan Duckett, added: “We’re proud to open our new Multi-Faith Room at The Incora County Ground and to be able to do it on a record-breaking night for women’s international cricket at Derby.
“This facility will allow us to open cricket up to a wider group of people and I would like to thank Derby City Council, the ECB, the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation and everyone whose hard work has made this a possibility, and well ahead of our original schedule.
“As a Club, we are aiming to make The Incora County Ground one of the most inclusive venues in England, we have made great strides with our accessibility facilities and now having a place where people of all faiths can practice their beliefs is another big step in that journey.”
Kate Aldridge, Interim EDI Director at the ECB, said: “It’s really exciting to have another Multi-Faith Room opened at a first-class county, it’s a vital part of our strategy to make cricket the most inclusive sport in England and Wales.
“This is a really great asset for supporters and members of the local community to utilise when they visit The Incora County Ground, and will help people from all backgrounds to enjoy our great sport.”
Pictured left to right: Charlie Cowen (ECB), Bob Blenkinsop (Chairman of the Derbyshire Cricket Foundation), Cllr Baggy Shanker (Leader of Derby City Council), Bess Heath (England Women), Idnan Hussain (St Thomas Carpets), Kate Aldridge (Interim EDI Director at the ECB), Ian Morgan (Chairman of Derbyshire County Cricket Club), Cllr Gulfraz Nawaz (Derby City Council).
