Demolition begins at Old Trafford

A projected impression of the end result at Old Trafford, one of England's most historic grounds

Lancashire have started demolition work at Old Trafford as the venue gets set for a £15million facelift.

As well as the building of a new £12m conference and events centre, 2,500 new seats are being installed at the ground together with new floodlights, scoreboard and TV replay screen.

A new outfield has already been put in place, together with a drainage system.

Earlier this week, the Northwest Regional Development Agency showed their support for Lancashire’s long-term vision with a grant of £2.65m for the cricket and “green” elements involved in the redevelopment.

Lancashire commercial director Geoff Durbin said: “This is an exciting time for Lancashire and also for the region.

“The new conference and events suite will offer a unique venue with the capabilities of hosting large events which other venues don’t have the capacity to cater for.

“In addition, this new development is generating work and jobs for the area, and it’s encouraging to have some positive news in this current climate.”

The gold marquee will be a permanent fixture at Old Trafford until the new conference suite is built and fully operational in Autumn 2010.

Old Trafford hosts two Twenty20 international matches against Australia this summer, on August 30 and September 1.