The plans, which involve upgrading the pavilion as well as two new grandstands, are expected to provide a 15,000 capacity capable of rising to 25,000 with temporary seats. A new outfield, based on the Lord's design, is also to be installed to provide a faster drainage system.
Lancashire hope to start redevelopment work next year, with a completion date set for 2012, thereby allowing the county to bid for a 2013 Ashes Test. It is estimated that the redevelopment will give Old Trafford a potential value of £200 million and create more than 2,000 jobs.
Lancashire chief executive, Jim Cumbes, said: “The Old Trafford brand has a massive standing in world cricket. The club has been on the same site since 1857. Our membership and cricket lovers everywhere, recognise the contribution that the club makes locally to the economy. It will deliver huge economic benefits both for Trafford and for the north-west region”.
The redevelopment will also involve the `re-orientation` of the Old Trafford wicket so the square will run from north-to-south rather than east-to-west, in order to resolve problems with sunlight which have affected players.
