A POPULAR pub has been flattened to make way for a multi-million pound redevelopment.

Diggers moved in at The Sussex Cricketer in Eaton Road, Hove, over the past few weeks.

The pub at the south west corner of the Sussex County Cricket ground called last orders in January last year.

It is making way for flats as part of a £20 million redevelopment, which will also include a new bar, sun terrace, and commercial space.

The historic venue, formerly owned by Ember Inns, had been a much-loved haunt for sports fans.

The Argus:

Previously, former spinner and BBC pundit Phil Tuffnell chose the pub for a big makeover after it won a nationwide competition.

Pubs with cricket-related names were invited to enter, stating why they deserved to win.

Entries flooded in from across the UK but “Tuffers” picked out the Sussex Cricketer as the worthy winner.

It was given big new TV screens as part of the luxury makeover.

The Argus:

But in the summer the site was boarded up ready for construction work to start.

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Now, pictures from the site show how it has been reduced to rubble as the area is cleared.

The Argus:

It is to be replaced by 37 flats at the site, which will become the Tate Residences.

Roffey Homes is building 37 flats at the site, which it hopes will be an “eco-friendly landmark”.

The Argus:

The master plan for the site could take as long as seven years to complete.

The old Tate Gates will be reinstalled at the cricket ground’s entrance alongside a new clock tower.

In 2019 Sussex Cricket chief executive Rob Andrew told The Argus that the £20 million scheme would boost the coffers and secure cricket at the site.

The Argus:

Matches have been played at Eaton Road since 1872 and Mr Andrew hopes the redevelopment will secure the club’s future for the next 150 years.

He said: “Our facilities can be improved and there are many aspects which would make them more efficient and financially effective, allowing us to offer a better range of events and activities at the ground and supporting our community work across the county.

“Our phase one redevelopment of the south west of the ground will provide us with the funds necessary to invest in the further ground improvements we need to ensure our future here in the heart of Hove. We have been here nearly 150 years and hope to remain here for another 150.”