Woolwich re-opens England's oldest cricket pitch for Blackheath

Developer Durkan Estates has joined up with Blackheath Cricket Club - the UK's largest with 13 senior teams - to get the Royal Military Academy ground back in use as part of a £50m redevelopment.

And it was MP for Greenwich and Woolwich Nick Raynsford who got to bat the first ball on a restored pitch before the club's first league game this season.

He said: "I am absolutely delighted to celebrate the restoration of the cricket pitch at the historic Royal Military Academy site in Woolwich. 

"This is one more exciting step in the regeneration of Woolwich and the Military Academy as a backdrop will make a superb setting for cricket."

The 18th century academy's facade is being restored by Durkan, which is building new homes, squares and boulevards there.

Investment director Jonathan Dean said: "We offered the ground on a long lease for a peppercorn rent to a local club with the means and vision to revive and maintain this sporting tradition and who was willing to provide access to sports for schools. We are delighted that Blackheath Cricket Club stepped forward."

The 19th century cricket ground, first used in the early 1800s, is believed to have been played on by record-breaking batsman AEJ Collins, a trainee soldier who amassed 628 not out when aged just 13.

Club chairman Jon Taylor said the academy would provide a second ground in addition to the club's home at Rectory Field in Charlton Road, Blackheath.

He said: "For a club like ours which works closely with local communities, the academy offers a fantastic opportunity to create a quality facility, in a truly fantastic setting.

"Surprisingly, there are no grounds in SE18, SE28 or SE2 that are available for public hire, and this is in an area of high population growth which is currently home to some 150,000 people."

The move was funded through Sport England, the Mayor's Fund and Blackheath Cricket Trustees.

For more on the academy, visit theacademywoolwich.co.uk