Sharmans Cross Road
 | |
| Location | Solihull, West Midlands, England |
|---|---|
| Coordinates | 52°24′54″N 1°47′56″W / 52.414939°N 1.799011°W |
| Owner | Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C. |
| Capacity | |
| Surface | Grass |
| Opened | 1989 |
| Tenants | |
Sharmans Cross Road is the ground of English National Division 1 side Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C. (known as The Bees). The ground is named after the road it lies off in Solihull, West Midlands.
Capacity
Sharmans Cross Road has been viewed by many as one of the worst grounds in Division 1 for several years because the 1st XV pitch was simply a field with one "bus shelter" like construction on one side of the ground. The ground was somewhat of a joke when visiting teams such as Harlequins and Leeds had home ground capacities of 12,500 and 22,500. However in 2005 the club purchased a no longer wanted stand off Worcester Warriors which seats 1000 and now reads "Bees" in red and black across it.
Development
In the past few seasons Sharmans Cross Road has been developed slowly with few major projects since the stand was purchased from Worcester Warriors in 2005. This is probably due to plans for a new multi-purpose stadium costing up to £60 million to be built at Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.'s training ground- Portway. However tarmac footpaths around three sides of the ground have recently replaced grass, although the far end has been left with a more natural effect. Most recently in November 2007 it was revealed that Pertemps Bees are to sell Sharmans Cross Road and move to local football side Solihull Borough's Damson Park in a ground share arrangement.
Portway Stadium
In October 2006 plans were revealed to Bees members for a new multi-purpose £60 million stadium to be built at Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C.'s training ground- Portway. However progress has stalled due to Portway being under the jurisdiction of Stratford District Council whereas the Bees are a Birmingham and Solihull club. However most recently in November 2007 it was revealed that Birmingham & Solihull R.F.C. are to sell Sharmans Cross Road and move to local football side Solihull Moors's Damson Park in a ground share arrangement.