Old Trafford is set to become the biggest cricket ground outside London
Emirates Old Trafford could become the biggest cricket ground in the country, outside of London, if planning permission for a new 4,850-seater stand is granted.
If it goes ahead, the new stand, which will replace the existing Red Rose Suite and face directly on to Brian Statham Way, will take the capacity to 26,700 and the club say it will complete what is now a ‘world class stadium.’
Lancashire Cricket Club is committed to ensuring Emirates Old Trafford is one of the best places in the world to watch and play cricket
The ambitious plans, which will be ready for the 2020 season, are set to feature a pitch-view suite, enhanced members facilities, a heritage centre, a ticket office and a retail shop as well as an extension of the existing Hilton Garden Inn hotel.
The plans have been created alongside CHROMA Consulting, BDP, Marston and Grundy, Planit-IE, Virtual Planit, Gardiner & Theobald and Paul Butler Associates.
A vision by Trafford Council for the redevelopment of the wider area, known as the draft Civic Quarter Area Action Plan, is also gathering pace. Plans will take in the Town Hall, the cricket ground and the former Kellogg’s site including the UA92 campus with residents being consulted on the proposals in early 2020.
David Hodgkiss OBE, Lancashire Cricket Chairman said: “The new stand, which will replace the Red Rose Suite, will complete the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford which is now an award-winning, world class and all-encompassing stadium.
“Lancashire Cricket Club is committed to ensuring Emirates Old Trafford is one of the best places in the world to watch and play cricket, both at a domestic and international level and the new stand, which includes a pitch-view suite, will further enhance the facilities for Lancashire Members. It will transform that area of the ground and will make Emirates Old Trafford one of the largest cricket stadiums in the country.”
Leader of Trafford Council, Cllr Andrew Western is excited at the prospect of the Civic Quarter, which could include a new leisure centre and opportunities for new homes among the proposal.
He said: “We are really excited about these recent developments - the establishment of a Civic Quarter presents a fantastic opportunity to further develop local amenities, improve community use of the area and completely transform our public spaces. It aims to create a fantastic place for those who live and work here.
“The people of Trafford are at the centre of these plans becoming a reality. We will consult with residents every step of the way as we continue the journey to creating a vibrant and amazing Civic Quarter.”
Andrew Cooke, regional director of Bruntwood Works, said: “Investing in our town centres and creating a vibrant and engaging retail and leisure proposition is crucial to future proofing our towns and shoring up our regional cities, and we are incredibly excited about what the future holds for Trafford.
“The latest plans are key to the wider vision for the redevelopment of the area and it’s brilliant to see these continuing at pace.
“We look forward to seeing these plans come to fruition and will continue to work closely with the local community and our development partners as we bring forward this major redevelopment.”
