Yorkshire CCC unveil ambitious plans to redevelop Headingley

YORKSHIRE County Cricket Club has unveiled ambitious plans to transform Headingley Cricket Ground into one of the finest cricket venues in the world.

The Headingley Masterplan, described by club chairman Colin Graves as the most ambitious project since the Leeds ground was established 125 years ago, will see Yorkshire CCC in partnership with Leeds Rugby, Leeds City Council and DLA Architecture, to prepare for the phased redevelopment of the ground over the next 20 years.

The scheme includes the installation of floodlights and the rebuilding of the North/South Stand, adjoining the rugby ground, which will become the centrepiece of the project. The capacity of the cricket ground will increase from 17,000 to 20,000 in the redevelopment.

The plans include:

• Phase One – Erection of four permanent floodlight pylons
• Phase Two – The rebuild of the North/South Stand, in conjunction with Leeds Rugby, to incorporate a three-tiered seating area, which will accommodate 5,060 seats, enhanced corporate facilities and new permanent concession units
• Phase Three – To incorporate an additional 915 seats to the upper tier of the North East Stand with the possibility of a cantilever roof from the side of the Carnegie Pavilion to the existing scoreboard
• Phase Four – The development of a new Pavilion located in the North West area of the stadium complex. Built on five levels, the Pavilion will be adjacent to the existing Carnegie Pavilion. To include state-of-the-art corporate facilities, new dressing rooms for the players and coaching staff, Members’ Long Room and seating and the creation of a main entrance to the stadium on Kirkstall Lane
• Phase Five – The erection of a translucent cantilever roof to cover the White Rose Stand on the western side of the ground
• Phase Six – Landscaping on the White Rose Stand and North East stand concourses

Yorkshire County Cricket Club chairman, Colin Graves, said: “This is the most ambitious project the Club and the venue will have undertaken since the ground was first established 125 years ago.

“Our ambitions are clear. We want to create a stadium that is amongst finest in the world and enable Yorkshire to continue to stage major international fixtures over the long term. It is vital that we don’t lose sight of our objectives. As other venues around the country continue to invest in their facilities, we cannot afford to standstill and expect that Headingley will always host international cricket. The stark reality is that if our stadium fails to evolve we will lose our Test Match status, which would be a devastating blow to the region.

“The Masterplan has been designed to provide a framework to enable us to achieve our objectives of improving facilities over a period of time.

“The phased approach allows room for flexibility and for the stadium complex to evolve over time. Providing the best facilities for our stakeholders, including members, corporate patrons and our playing staff is my driving force.

“These are all very exciting proposals and we will be working with local residents and all parties involved in these plans, as, together, we seek to make them a reality.

“I will be working tirelessly, alongside our partners, to ensure this project becomes a reality and my lasting legacy as Chairman of Yorkshire County Cricket Club.”

In order to move forward with its expansion plans, Yorkshire County Cricket Club will secure the support of members, the community, local home owners, businesses and other key stakeholders via a detailed consultation period.