A SPECIALIST indoor cricket centre will bring investment and new visitors into Merseyside, experts believe.

The scheme, by Eight4Sport, is the north of England’s first specialist indoor cricket pitch.

It was created in a disused warehouse in Bromborough.

The project was first submitted to Wirral Council late last year.

It was initially recommended for refusal by planning officers, who said the warehouse should be retained for an industrial use.

But councillors on the planning committee unanimously approved it, praising the scheme for the jobs it will create and the sporting opportunities it represented.

Bromborough councillor Steve Niblock, who backed the scheme since it was first proposed, said: “It is astonishing how rapidly this innovative and unique facility has got off the ground.

“At such an early stage, it has provided 11 new jobs in what once was an empty building generating no employment.

“I am certain the venture will be very successful, given the take-up from sports enthusiasts in Wirral.”

Oliver MacPherson, founder of the centre, said it had exceeded expectations.

Within four weeks of opening, it had leagues operating and became affiliated to the English Cricket Board.

The centre is now preparing to launch netball facilities and has already had a good response from footballers using its advanced Astroturf pitches.

It is even hosting children’s sports parties.

The centre has two full-time employees and nine part-time, and plans to expand with another pitch.

Mr MacPherson said since the centre received planning permission, it had built up a good relationship with the council, saying it was “very positive”.

The centre was up and running within five months of receiving planning permission in March.

Mr MacPherson, who is originally from South Africa, said he first looked to import nets and other equipment, but instead found local suppliers able to meet the high standards required by the sport’s governing bodies.

The 30,000 sq ft former Candy factory stood empty for most of the decade since it closed, aside from a brief spell as a bakery.

Mr MacPherson said: “My favourite customers are those who have not played for years and have come maybe as part of a corporate event.

“They walk in, see the place and have a great time.

“We have even had three or four people who worked here when the Candy factory was operating and were able to point to the spot where they worked.”

Cllr Andrew Hodson, cabinet member for regeneration, said: “The Eight4Sport indoor sports centre is a first-class addition to the array of leisure businesses which currently operate in Bromborough.

“The council’s business support team Invest Wirral provided advice and guidance during the initial set-up.

“We are pleased this fantastic sports facility will not only make a positive economic impact by creating new jobs and attracting visitors to the area, but will also help to boost the fitness and health agenda in Wirral.”