Redevelopment plans include reorientating wicket, media facilities and a giant Tesco store

Plans for a £32m redevelopment of the Old Trafford cricket ground have been approved by Trafford council.

Without substantial redevelopment, the England and Wales Cricket Board had confirmed that after this year’s test match against Bangladesh there would be no more international cricket at Old Trafford.

The decision means that, subject to formal approval by Government Office North West, preparation work can begin on the redevelopment of the ground, with construction work set to start in the autumn.

The proposals drawn up by architects BDP are part of a sports-led regeneration strategy for a 20hectare mixed use neighbourhood which will include a 94,000ft² Tesco store. It also includes reorientation of the wicket so that it no longer faces the setting sun, enhancing the existing pavilion as well as adding new player and media facilities plus permanent floodlighting.

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”.

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