Lancashire County Cricket Club and its partners have submitted a planning application to Trafford Council for the redevelopment of Old Trafford cricket ground and nearby area in a bid to regenerate the surrounding area and to win back hosting the Ashes in 2013.
The proposals are part of a sports-led regeneration strategy for a 50-acre mixed use area in Old Trafford. The club, the council, Ask Developments and Tesco are working on the plans, which include a 100,000 sq ft Tesco store.
The development will bring investment of £70m into the area, as well as an estimated additional 71,000 visitors to Old Trafford each year.
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.”
Phase 1 of the development is already being built including a new conference and events suite due for completion in 2010.
The second phase of the plans, by architects BDP, include adding new media and player facilities as well as a hotel and extension to the indoor cricket school. The partners have undertaken widespread public consultation and have a website outlining the development and what it means for the region: www.oldtraffordashes.co.uk which will go live on Friday.
Drivers Jonas Manchester team are planning and development advisors.
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