Lancashire unveils new cricket ground
LANCASHIRE County Cricket Club has submitted radical new plans for a revamped ground.
The proposals are part of a 50-acre regeneration scheme that the club has submitted to Trafford Council in partnership with Tesco and Ask Developments.
The club and its partners say the scheme will improve Lancashire’s chances of hosting the Ashes after 2010. And they insist it will have a significant economic impact, drawing investment of £70m and attracting 71,000 extra visitors each year. The site also includes a 100,000 sq ft Tesco employing 500 people.
LCCC’s chief executive Jim Cumbes said: “The club makes a huge contribution to the local and regional economy and is a critical part of the region’s international sporting infrastructure.
“It’s a time right now of fierce competition for the rights to stage international Test Matches, which has seen the ground lose the Ashes this year. The significant investment in the new facilities will ensure that Old Trafford regains its rightful place on the international Test Match circuit in time for the 2013 Ashes Test.”
The first phase of the development is already underway, with new conference and events suite, The Point, under construction and due for completion in July 2010.
The designs for the second phase by architects BDP enhance the existing pavilion as well as adding new player and media facilities, conferencing, hotel facilities and an extension to the indoor cricket school.
Two new grandstands will offer capacity of 15,000 capable of rising to 25,000 with temporary seating. There will also be floodlights and a screen showing action replays.
A new website detailing the planned development, www.oldtraffordashes.co.uk, will be up and running from Friday. Drivers Jonas Manchester-based team are acting as planning and development advisors to the club.
