Lancashire Cricket commits over £1 million to cricket facilities at Emirates Old Trafford
Lancashire Cricket has confirmed an investment of more than £1 million in cricket facilities at Emirates Old Trafford, reaffirming the Club's commitment to delivering world-class infrastructure for domestic and international cricket.
The largest component of the investment - £750,000 - has funded the construction of new ICC-compliant changing rooms within the Indoor Cricket Centre. The upgraded facilities ensure Emirates Old Trafford meets the highest international standards and is fully equipped to host major global events, including double-header fixtures during the ICC Women's T20 World Cup this summer. The new changing rooms will also support the growing operational demands of modern matchdays, particularly double headers in the Vitality Blast and The Hundred staging both men's and women's fixtures on the same day.
An additional £200,000 has been invested in a comprehensive programme of work across the playing areas at Emirates Old Trafford. This includes renovation work on the main square – which included the installation of two additional wickets on the hotel-side of the ground, on the practice net facilities and on the outfield. These improvements ensure the playing surfaces and training infrastructure continue to support Emirates Old Trafford’s expanding programme of domestic and international fixtures throughout the season, in addition to practice days.
A further £120,000 has been directed to the refurbishment of changing rooms within the Players' and Media Centre. These facilities form an integral part of the experience for the Club’s professional players and coaches - serving Lancashire Cricket, Manchester Super Giants, as well as England and visiting international sides.
Vic Stewart, Honorary Treasurer at Lancashire Cricket, said: "Investing in our cricket facilities and infrastructure remains a key priority for the Club, and this programme of improvements reflects our ongoing commitment to maintaining world-class facilities at Emirates Old Trafford.
“These upgrades will ensure the stadium continues to meet the highest expectations of players and teams, while strengthening our position as a premier venue for major domestic and international fixtures for years to come. Although the Club is no longer financially reliant on international fixtures, thanks to the strength of the off-field business at Emirates Old Trafford, the allocation of high-profile matches remains a significant contributor to our year-on-year revenue.”
The investment builds on further funding recently approved by the Club’s Board at Farington, Lancashire’s second ground in the heart of Lancashire. The purpose-built facility brings together elite and community cricket in one high-quality location in the heart of Lancashire. The ground features two cricket ovals: a professional oval, which will host competitive men's and women's matches, and a community oval dedicated to recreational, youth and grassroots cricket, delivered through the Lancashire Cricket Foundation. A central pavilion provides four changing rooms, fitness facilities, and both outdoor and covered net areas, ensuring the venue is well-equipped to serve players at every level of the game.
John Abrahams, Chair of the Cricket Development Committee at Lancashire Cricket, added: "High-quality changing rooms, practice areas and playing surfaces are fundamental to creating the right environment in which players can train, prepare and perform at the highest level. It is therefore essential we continue to invest at both Emirates Old Trafford - as well as at Farington - across our key cricket facilities.
"As the game continues to evolve - with an increasing number of major events and the growing prevalence of men's and women's fixtures taking place concurrently at the same venue - it is vital that our facilities rise to meet those demands. These improvements ensure Emirates Old Trafford is well positioned to host world-class cricket for many years to come."
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