Update on the development of a new second home for Lancashire Cricket
Cricket fans have been given an update on the latest construction work taking place on Lancashire's Farington cricket facility.
County Councillor Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, spoke to Lancs TV earlier today at Emirates Old Trafford in an interview hosted by former Lancashire player Warren Hegg.
She was joined by Daniel Gidney, CEO of Lancashire County Cricket Club and Jen Barden, Executive Director of Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
Work on the site at Farington in central Lancashire is progressing well. Despite challenging weather conditions, the major earthworks programmes are well underway, drainage systems have been established and the access road to the future pavilion building and the outline of the professional county pitch are now clearly visible.
This is an innovative partnership between Lancashire County Council and Lancashire Cricket to deliver high-quality professional facilities for the club in Lancashire and an asset for the local community and wider county.
The England and Wales Cricket Board provided £1.6m in funding towards the development of the new facility.
County Councillor Williamson said: "This pioneering facility is one of a kind in the UK. We're excited by this dynamic project, which will transform the sport here in Lancashire. I'm especially happy that this will be a North West Centre of Excellence for women's cricket, paving the way for the next generation of top cricketers."
The pioneering development will see first-class men's and women's cricket brought to a permanent new second home.
When completed, natural amphitheatres will provide up to 5,000 spectators the opportunity to watch games.
The site will serve as a North West Centre of Excellence for the women's game, and provide a stable pathway for the next generation of men's and women's and youth players.
Emirates Old Trafford will continue to host major matches, and the new facility will become Lancashire Cricket’s second ground.
The development will provide two pitches, one professional and one for the community, providing significant opportunities for local and community cricket to take place in the heart of Lancashire.
The project will importantly create jobs for local people during construction and once the facility is up and running and provide an economic boost through business supply chains. There will also be a range of broader community benefits and sporting, health and wellbeing opportunities.
Find out more about the project at www.lancashire.gov.uk/cricket.