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Council approves Emirates Old Trafford development plan

Lancashire Cricket Club has received the green light from Trafford Council for the next phase of the redevelopment of its Emirates Old Trafford stadium.

Approval has been granted following a council planning meeting, with the project, which was first revealed in October, now set to press forward.

The significant development at Emirates Old Trafford includes plans for a new 4,850-seat stand, which replaces the Red Rose Suite, and is set to feature a pitch-view suite, enhanced member facilities, a heritage centre, ticket office and retail shop which will face directly on to Brian Statham Way. The stand will take the capacity of Emirates Old Trafford to 26,700, making the Manchester venue the largest cricket ground outside of London.

Also included in the plans is an extension of the award-winning Hilton Garden Inn hotel, which opened its doors two years ago at Emirates Old Trafford. The redevelopment plans coincide with the transformation of the suburb, including the Town Hall and surrounding areas into a new ‘Civic Quarter.’

The Council proposals for the new area include building a new leisure centre, an improved public realm, opportunities for new homes and offices, and improved pedestrian and cycle routes. They also include the possible development of a new public piazza and ‘processional route’ linking Lancashire Cricket Club with Manchester United’s Old Trafford stadium.

Daniel Gidney, chief executive at Lancashire Cricket, said: “The decade-long £60m (€70.4m/$78.2m) redevelopment of the ground was so that the club could host major competitions, and major matches as it has done in 2019 with the ICC Cricket World Cup and Ashes, and will continue to do over the next five years and beyond.

“The new stand and hotel extension will complete the redevelopment of Emirates Old Trafford. We’re committed to making Lancashire Cricket the best it possibly can be and position it as an unrivalled venue for business, sport and leisure.

“We’re looking forward to the next phase, which will help us to achieve our vision of establishing Lancashire Cricket as the best cricket club in the world. It’s an exciting chapter for both the club and venue, and also the region. I would also like to thank Chroma and Paul Butler Associates for their assistance throughout the process.”