Major development projects at Lancashire Cricket gather pace
Lancashire Cricket is pleased to update Members and supporters on further redevelopment work at Emirates Old Trafford and creation of a new high-performance facility at Farington, which have continued to progress over the winter.
In June 2021, the Club was delighted to have received approval from Trafford Council for a new venue redevelopment project at Emirates Old Trafford, which will further increase and improve facilities for Members at the ground including enhanced raised seating and an additional lounge. The new development includes a 100-bed hotel extension to the current Hilton Garden Inn and a new lower tier stand and concourse, a new restaurant at first floor level and a museum experience on the ground floor, alongside the shop and ticket office facing onto Brian Statham Way.
Since the end of the 2021 season, the project has continued apace with the major groundwork - which included the demolition of the Red Rose Suite - well underway and the foundations in place for the construction work.
As part of the new development and following on from the creation of the Lancashire Cricket’s new heritage committee, the Club have taken onboard feedback from Members regarding the importance of having a museum experience at Emirates Old Trafford.
The detail of this space is currently being worked upon, in conjunction with the Members’ Representative Group (MRG), and the Club is keen to make it as interactive as possible, as we celebrate the history and heritage of Lancashire Cricket and Emirates Old Trafford. As part of that, we are liaising with the National Lottery regarding additional funding for an element of this to ensure it appeals to both Members and also new audiences, linked to the Club’s EDI and Membership growth strategy.
Commenting on the progress of the projects, Lancashire Cricket Chief Executive, Daniel Gidney said: “The continued redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford plays a key role in the Club’s long-term strategy of continuing to host major competitions, matches and events, and build on the venue’s reputation as a world-class location for sport, business and entertainment. Achieving these aims are crucial in supporting the Club’s growth trajectory and securing our financial future in sustainable manner.
“We are aware of the desire from Members to have a raised viewing area to specifically watch the LV= Insurance County Championship and Royal London Cup at Emirates Old Trafford and the new development will address this issue, in addition to the seating area outside the Lancaster Suite on the second floor of the Pavilion, which comes into effect this season. We are also working hard on the new museum experience which will also be incorporated in the new development.
“The Club has been through a lot over the past couple of years with the COVID-19 pandemic and it has required some additional funding from commercial activities to ensure the affordability of the new development. I am sure that the Membership will enjoy using our new facilities, in addition to the Pavilion in the years to come.”
In addition to work taking place at Emirates Old Trafford, in December the Club unveiled exciting plans for a second home in Farington with the aim of establishing a new year-round facility, which would host a number of men’s and women’s competitive matches each year when Emirates Old Trafford is unavailable, whilst also providing a training base for Lancashire’s men’s and women’s teams (from Age-Group to First Team).
The new facility will become a centre of excellence for women’s cricket in the North-West, further encouraging cricket participation in the region – demonstrating the Club’s commitment to the development and growth of the women’s game.
The proposals include two full-sized cricket pitches with natural sloping terraces and training facilities, a pavilion including a gym, changing rooms, hospitality space, as well as car parking. The new facilities will also support the development of community and recreational, youth and elite sport in Lancashire.
Public engagement has continued since the initial announcement to help to shape initial proposals and a planning application is due to be submitted this month. Lancashire Cricket will continue to utilise the Club’s existing outgrounds, in addition to Farington in the future.
The Club is hopeful that the application will be approved within three months with the aim of starting work on the project later this year with a scheduled completion date of 2024, with the ability of hosting professional cricket in 2025.
Daniel Gidney continues: “The Farington development is fundamental to our ambitions to grow the game of cricket in all its forms across the county.
“This facility, in the centre of the county, will become a key driver for our performance pathways but also provide a community facility that we hope will inspire people, particularly younger generations, to be active and participate in cricket. Farington represents the future of the Club and one that we believe will deliver a formidable legacy.
“Both developments are hugely exciting for Lancashire Cricket. Everything we are doing is based around improving performances on the field, ensuring we are competing for trophies, developing our own home-grown players and making sure the Club is financially sustainable in the long-term.”
The Club will provide further information to Members and supporters before next week's game at Emirates Old Trafford with further operational detail regarding the new development as there will be some temporary changes in terms of facilities, access, and navigation around the ground.