Old Trafford Cricket Ground, usually referred to as Old Trafford, has been the home of Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) since its foundation in 1864. In 2003, it was suggested that LCCC should sell Old Trafford, and move to a new purpose-built stadium in East Manchester. After consultation, this plan was rejected in favor of upgrading the current ground.
The GBP32 million ($48.9 million approx) redevelopment scheme of the Old Trafford cricket ground is part of an innovative sports-led regeneration strategy for a 20 hectare mixed use neighborhood. The proposals have been developed by the LCCC, Trafford Council, Ask Developments and Tesco. The main objective behind the redevelopment scheme is to transform the historic venue into one of the country’s premier sporting destinations.
A team from UK-based multifaceted consultancy Capita Symonds’ Cheadle Hulme office is providing civil, structural and geotechnical consultancy services on various aspects of the project on behalf of client Morgan Ashurst, a full-service construction business
The plans comprise a 20 hectare mixed-use scheme involving business, residential, retail, hotel and leisure facilities. It will feature a Tesco store with approximately 94,000 square feet retail sales floor-space providing over 500 jobs. It also includes reorientation of the ground’s wicket so that it no longer faces the setting sun, enhancing the existing pavilion, adding new player and media facilities, and permanent flood-lighting.
The development will bring investment of at least GBP70 million ($107.1 million approx) into parts of Trafford which suffer from low levels of economic activity and employment. It will generate an estimated 71,000 additional visitors to Old Trafford each year, creating a further GBP1 million ($1.5 million approx) per year additional spend in the local economy. It will include new facilities offering a host of educational and training opportunities for the local community.
The work is expected to be completed by September 2012, in time for the 2013 Ashes series.
