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Architects: BDP
- Area: 32 m²
- Year: 2013
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Photographs: Daniel Hopkinson
Text description provided by the architects. Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground has hosted international test match cricket for over 150 years, but in 2008 it controversially lost the right to host the biggest event in cricket, The Ashes, for the first time in its history. These events unfolded against the nationwide backdrop of an increasingly competitive provision of test match venues as other counties undertook their own redevelopment programmes. Lancashire Country Cricket Club approached BDP to develop a masterplan for the cricket ground and beyond to the wider area to redevelop their own facilities, to allow them to compete in this context and also assist in unlocking the funding and political will to redevelop their famous ground and safeguard the future of international cricket in the North-West of England.
BDP’s design for Old Trafford revitalises and radically transforms the existing ground to create a unique world-class setting for international cricket, at the heart of a wider sport-led masterplan – Old Trafford once again hosted an Ashes test match in summer 2013.
Our vision is that Emirates Old Trafford thrives as a world class sporting destination and it is very much a part of a new and distinctly recognisable mixed use neighbourhood. This neighbourhood now incorporates state-of-the-art sporting facilities, and a vibrant mix of new commercial, leisure, retail and residential opportunities. The new ground provides 25,000 spectator seats, 15,000 of which are permanent, with associated amenities for all spectators, and a wide variety of hospitality and members facilities which provide for both match day and year-round use. Phase I, The Point, the largest purpose-built conference and events venues in the North West, accommodating up to 1,000 people, was completed in Jun 2010. Phase II provided a new Player and Media Centre, with state-of-the-art support facilities for the media, players, education and the club’s support staff which also offer enhanced services to the wider community. Phase III reinstates the historic 1895 Pavilion building at the heart of the ground, and provides new facilities for members and new club offices. The design removes cluttered post-war extensions, and sensitively intertwines a new steel-framed red brick and glass extension with the original distinctive red brick and sandstone facade and iconic turrets. The new facilities set the highest new standards for international cricket and enable Emirates Old Trafford to provide a successful and sustainable base for both match and non-match day functions and events.