Old Trafford pavilion tops out

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The redevelopment of Lancashire’s pavilion, which is due to be completed ahead of August’s Ashes Test at Old Trafford, moved a stage closer with a 'topping out' ceremony yesterday.

Officials from the club, contractors Morgan Sindall, architects BDP and members of Lancashire's Young Trustees Group signed the steelwork at the top of the pavilion to mark the completion of the frame.

The pavilion, which is due to be completed by early summer, will provide state-of-the-art facilities for Lancashire members and is able to accommodate up to 700 guests, using eight suites and nine executive boxes.

It has retained its original red brick and sandstone façade and iconic turrets but will undergo a modern overhaul that will see it reaching a similar height to The Point.

The 'topping out' ceremony takes place. The pavilion is due for completion ahead of August’s Ashes Test © Lancashire CCC

Subject to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the pavilion will also be home to the anticipated museum and Red Rose Wall with the latter giving cricket fans and those with an affinity to Old Trafford the opportunity to be part of history by personalising a stone that will form part of the new development.

Lancashire chairman Michael Cairns OBE said: "Today marks another milestone in what has truly been a marathon. It has been an incredibly long and, at times, arduous journey to achieve the final planning consent to redevelop Old Trafford into a world-class venue, but we are now on schedule to complete before the return of the Ashes next summer.

"The Point is already well established as a leading conference and events facility, while the new players and media centre was highly acclaimed when it opened for last summer's international T20 between England and South Africa.

“The pavilion is very much the epicentre of Old Trafford and Lancashire and it will have some best-in-class amenities, not only for our members, but also for hospitality guests on match days and provide exquisite and unrivalled facilities for business use on non-match days."

Headteacher of Stretford High School James Haseldine said: "It's an honour for Stretford High School students to be invited to become Foundation Young Trustees and to take part in this 'topping out' ceremony.

“This responsibility empowers the young people we work with to develop employability skills. The experience will give them the opportunity to make a positive contribution to the great community in which they live and takes learning out of the classroom."

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