Leicestershire CCC unveils £60m redevelopment plans
Leicestershire County Cricket Club has unveiled major plans to redevelop the Uptonsteel County Ground.
In a statement, the club said it was considering a range of possibilities for the Grace Road site, including the development of residential homes, healthcare and retail options and an Academy of Cricket campus.
It has launched a consultation with developers, stakeholders and the local community over the proposals, which have been valued at £60m.
Sean Jarvis, chief executive of Leicestershire CCC, said: “This is something we have been working on for some considerable time alongside research consultants who have presented us with a number of viable options. It is now a case of putting more ‘meat on the bones’ on the proposals and we will therefore be holding talks with a wide range of interested stakeholders.”
Jarvis said the club intends to consult with the community “along every step of this journey.”
“We need to generate new revenue streams if we wish for the club to develop, and the progression of these plans will not only guarantee a bright future for the club, but also for the local community who will benefit hugely from this investment”, Jarvis added.
Mark Lewis, Dean of the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough University, which is working in partnership with the cricket club, has welcomed the announcement, as has Leicester City Mayor Sir Peter Soulsby.
John Stew, chairman and secretary of the volunteer-run supporters club Friends of Grace Road said of the plans: “This is exciting news, and we look forward to being involved in the process to make our club financially sustainable. This could create a real legacy for Leicestershire County Cricket Club and hopefully inspire greater success on the field.”
