Lancashire Cricket has been given the green light for plans to deliver a new 1,025 seat stadium, a heritage centre, a guest services hub, and a new retail store
The new stand, which replaces the Red Rose Suite, will include enhanced pitch-viewing facilities for Lancashire’s Members, comprising a dual-aspect suite located within the spectator viewing terrace.
Also included within the plans is a significant expansion of the Hilton Garden Inn Hotel, with a new extension situated within the existing stadium footprint. This includes the provision of a further 100 bedrooms.
The latest proposal replaces one previously approved by Trafford Council in 2019 but continues to align with the council’s ambitious plans to transform the area around the Town Hall and surrounding buildings into a new ‘Civic Quarter.’
The council plans for the new area include opportunities for new homes and offices, and improved pedestrian and cycle routes.
‘Upgrading Emirates Old Trafford’s facilities’
Daniel Gidney, chief executive at Lancashire Cricket, said: “This is fantastic news for the Lancashire Cricket, and everyone associated to the club.
“The new stand and hotel extension complete the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford and will further enhance our reputation as a world-class venue for business, sport and leisure.
“The decade-long £60m redevelopment of the ground was undertaken so that the Club could continue to host major competitions, matches and events, as it has done throughout its storied history.
“This redevelopment will play a key role in the Club’s long-term financial strategy. The revised plans provide greater revenue generation opportunities in the short and long term and, crucially, enable us to upgrade Emirates Old Trafford’s facilities, increase our overall capacity and improve the event-day experience for all venue visitors.
“We’re looking forward to the successful completion the project, which will help us achieve our vision of establishing Lancashire Cricket as the best cricket club in the world.”
Councillor Andrew Western, leader of Trafford Council, added: “This is a fantastic development which will make Emirates Old Trafford a truly spectacular sporting arena and one of the biggest in the country.
“The scheme will also provide huge benefits to the local area in terms of employment and improved local amenities, and will keep Trafford firmly on the sporting world map.
“The Emirates Old Trafford stadium sits right in the heart of our Civic Quarter Masterplan which covers a 120-acre site taking in the Town Hall, the University Academy 92 (UA 92) campus, and stretching up to the A56/Chester Road and White City retail park.
“Trafford Council has invested heavily in the borough’s town centres and communities and we are extremely proud of what we have achieved.
“Creating successful and thriving places and having pride in our areas are major priorities for Trafford Council.”
Lancashire Cricket is scheduling for work on the development to commence in early 2022, with completion of the project anticipated for the 2023 cricket season.
