Cricket / News
Gloucestershire confirm plans to leave County Ground
Gloucestershire Cricket bosses have confirmed that they “are exploring opportunities for a new stadium development in South Gloucestershire”.
It comes after recent reports that the club were planning to leave their historic home in Ashley Down which they have occupied since the days of WG Grace.
In a statement, the Shire say that in order “to ensure the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Gloucestershire Cricket, we must look at the possibility of relocating the club and are now looking to enter into more active negotiations around a potential move to an appropriate new site”.
is needed now More than ever
Gloucestershire have played cricket at the County Ground since 1889 but say that “as we continue to grow, the strain on infrastructure and facilities at Nevil Road will become increasingly challenging, as will access to and from the ground”.
The club have already identified potential sites for a purpose-built stadium, saying that their preferred location is in South Glos “close by to the M4 near Bristol” – believed to be close to Lyde Green.
Their statement mentions the ability to host white-ball franchise tournaments, signifying the possibility of a new team for the Hundred playing their home games at the new stadium.
Gloucestershire will hope to attract more young fans to their new stadium – photo: Martin Booth
Gloucestershire Cricket chair, David Jones, said: “This is a significant turning point for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we look to secure the club’s long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world.
“As well as delivering for our members the modern and low carbon facilities they deserve in order to showcase an ever-wider range of world class events here in the South West, we are keen to continue our active role in the community to widen participation and inspire the next generation of sports women and men.
“We look forward to engaging with our members, neighbouring residents, stakeholders and the public as we continue a journey that WG Grace started many years ago.”
The site of the County Ground would become a prime development site for houses if sold – photo: Gloucestershire Cricket
ECB chief executive, Richard Gould, added: “It’s always exciting to see county clubs come up with ambitious plans for growth.
“We are clear on the importance of Bristol, Gloucestershire and the South West to the game and recognise that continued investment at all levels is vital for the ongoing growth of cricket across the region.
“It’s fantastic to see Gloucestershire displaying the ambition to provide cricket fans in the West Country with a state-of-the-art sports and leisure arena.”
Main photo: Martin Booth
Read next:
- ‘Bristol’s centre of gravity is shifting towards South Glos’
- Gloucestershire could sell Nevil Road ground
- England captain Heather Knight immortalised in new artwork at County Ground
- Syd Lawrence becomes first Black president of Gloucestershire
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