Sporting Elite

Lancashire County Cricket Club will be hoping the re-development of their ground and the surrounding area of Trafford will turn them in to one of the country’s premier sporting destinations.

With plans finalised and an application pending, the hope is to start work early next year and the club’s vision for the future is to be up there with the best in the country when it comes to entertainment and facilities.

Lancashire Chief Executive Jim Cumbes said: "The Old Trafford brand has a massive standing in world cricket. The club has been on the same site since 1857.

“Our membership and cricket lovers everywhere recognise the contribution that the club makes locally to the economy through visitor attraction, image, marketing and employment in the Borough.

“I am delighted that Trafford Council have, in principle, welcomed our vision for this international sporting initiative to become a reality. It will deliver huge economic benefits both for Trafford and for the north-west region.” [Lancs website, 2008]

The project, as well as re-generating Old Trafford, will include a hotel, and retail and residential space and early estimations suggest a potential end value of £200 million, with the possibility of creating 2,000 new jobs for local people.

The proposals have been put together over the last few months between the club and a handful of local land owners and funding partners. These include Trafford Council, Ask Developments and Tesco.

Michael Kissman, spokesman for Tesco, said: "Tesco are very pleased to be part of this innovative partnership. It is a great example of the imaginative thinking required to drive forward such a major sports project and regeneration initiative. We are confident that together we will deliver a whole range of benefits for the people of Trafford, Greater Manchester and the North West as a whole.” [Lancs website, 2008]

Ken Knott, Chief Executive of Ask Developments, said: “Ask Developments is delighted to be appointed as Old Trafford’s development partner for such an outstanding mixed-use scheme, which will contribute greatly to the borough and see Old Trafford rightfully regain its reputation as a world-class venue.” [Lancs website, 2008]

Part of the problem for Lancashire over recent years has been the demise of the hosting of international matches at Old Trafford, which along with recognition brings fantastic financial rewards.

With the new highly ambitious proposals in place, Lancashire will be destined to reinstate their position as one of the biggest county teams on the scene, and with that, attract the attention of the England Cricket Board, with regards to hosting their share of international matches once again.

Lancs website: http://www.lccc.co.uk/