Spectators attending Saltaire's home matches this season are in for a treat when they visit the revamped Roberts Park which has undergone a £4.5million lottery funded refurbishment. 

Its buildings and gardens have been restored to their former glory befitting a world class park. 

A new bandstand has also been built as its centre piece and it will once again host concerts every Sunday afternoon from the end of May. 

Saltaire is believed to be the the only cricket club in the country to play in a World Heritage Centre.

The Half Moon café is being run by the cricket club and will be open six days per week. It will be open from 11am to 5pm – Tuesday to Sunday. Opening hours will be varied on match days. 

The café will be serving a range of teas and coffees, 12 flavours of quality ice-cream, as well as sandwiches and a 'dish of the day’. 

The café has been knocked into one and now contains toilets. A full-time manager is in charge of the café which will mainly be staffed by volunteers. 

A substantial amount of money has been invested by share-holders to equip the café.  These shareholders are made up of club members and officials as well as local community groups and individuals.  

Cricket spectators will be entitled to a discount on presentation of the popular Saltaire matchday programme. The café also has Wi-fi so you should be able to follow all the scores from around the league.

The park now has more seating. The seats are replicas of the original Victorian benches with their intricate iron work and are painted in a blue floral livery. 

Picnic benches are also being installed. The ground has many interesting aspects to view cricket, all with spectacular views including Salts Mill and the Congregational Church. Spectators can also watch in the comfortable Half Moon café in inclement weather.

Club secretary Geoff Porter said: "We really do recommend visitors to see for themselves the fantastic transformation and enjoy our new facilities and ground."

Club members have also re-painted the pavilion - inside and out - and scorebox during Cricketforce weekend. The changing rooms and showers have also been given a make-over. .

Porter added: "Roberts Park has something for everybody: cricket, café, beautiful buildings and gardens, a new children’s play area, wildlife in the river including herons and playing fields for recreation. 

"It is also adjacent to the historic Saltaire village and the attractions in the Mill and village as well as the near-by Glen Tramway and the beauty spot of Shipley Glen.  The Park is a brilliant place for a family day-out at the cricket."

The official grand re-opening ceremony is planned for Saturday, May 22 when there will be many events going on including a brass band. Most appropriately the first X1 will be entertaining Bankfoot in the afternoon.

Following the £4.5m refurbishment Bradford Council have banned cars from the park. 

There is ample car-parking in the Titus Salt Car/Bus Park on Higher Coach Road. Having parked your car, cross the road using the new zebra crossing and enter the Park adjacent to the top shelter.

The Half Moon is only 100 yards walk through the Park and past the new bandstand.  Disabled persons can apply to the club secretary for access for their cars 24 hours before a match).  Applicants must have a disabled permit.

Please note: do not park in the higher Titus Salt Car Park which is gated as you may be locked in.

If you need further details or wish to apply for a disabled parking place, contact Geoff Porter, Secretary Saltaire CC Phone: (Home): 01274 826177, (Mobile) 07948535639, (email) gnporterone@blueyonder.co.uk