15 March 2010
Plans for a £32m redevelopment of the Old Trafford
cricket ground in Manchester have been approved by Trafford
council.
The proposals, including new media facilities and a giant Tesco
store, are part of an innovative sports-led regeneration strategy
for a 20 hectare mixed use neighbourhood.
This is a historic decision for the future of international cricket in the North West
A team from 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.
The proposals have been developed by the club, Trafford Council,
Ask Developments and Tesco, and will transform the historic venue
into one of the country’s premier sporting destinations.
The plans comprise a 20 hectare mixed-use scheme featuring a
Tesco store with approximately 94,000 sq ft retail sales floorspace
providing over 500 jobs, half of which would be guaranteed for the
local long-term unemployed. 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 floodlighting.
The development will bring investment of at least £70m 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 £1m 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.
LCCC chief executive Jim Cumbes said: “This is a historic
decision for the future of international cricket in the North West
- we can now press on with redeveloping the famous Old Trafford
cricket ground and securing our place as one of the world's best
cricketing arenas.”