Old Trafford on course for Ashes return

Demolition is well underway at the pavilion in Lancashire County Cricket Ground as redevelopment continues in readiness for the return of international tests in 2013.

The new pavilion, designed by BDP, will be able to cater for 700 guests in eight suites and nine executive boxes.

Jim Cumbes, chief executive of Lancashire County Cricket Club, said: "The redevelopment taking place is remarkable, once complete the ground is going to look spectacular. This is a famous sporting venue and the ground improvements can only be good for the club and the local area.

"Last season we won the county championship for the first time in 77 years and next year we welcome the Ashes back to Old Trafford. The future for the club is exciting both on and off the pitch."

Construction is more advanced on other phases of the ground, main contractor Morgan Sindall has installed the first seats in the club's new grandstands. The next phases of the development will be complete by summer 2012, this includes the new grandstands and media centre with the pavilion being completed early summer 2013, prior to the third test against Australia in August 2013. The Point conference and hospitality stand at the ground completed in June 2010.

Jim Morgan, area director for Morgan Sindall, said: "The refurbishment of the old Lancashire County Cricket Club pavilion is a key milestone in the development of the new cricket ground. We are delighted to have won the contract to refurbish the pavilion and to be a part of the rejuvenation of such an iconic sporting venue."