Major redevelopment planned at Emirates Old Trafford to boost elite and grassroots cricket
RPSG Group and Lancashire Cricket have taken a significant step towards overhauling cricket facilities at Emirates Old Trafford after announcing a multi-million-pound purchase of land directly behind the ground. The acquisition, confirmed by both organisations, paves the way for a redeveloped High-Performance Cricket Centre intended to serve professional, academy and age-group teams across the county and beyond.
The project forms part of a long-term strategy to build what those involved describe as some of the best cricket infrastructure in the country at the Old Trafford site, alongside AO Farington Cricket Ground. Club documents and statements indicate the scheme will transform the existing indoor centre into a substantially upgraded facility featuring a mix of indoor and outdoor training amenities.
- Indoor nets and upgraded practice areas
- Modern gym and conditioning facilities
- Outdoor training areas tailored to elite preparation
- Sports science and medical facilities to support player development
The planned centre will be used by Lancashire Cricket’s full range of teams — professional, academy and age-group sides — and by RPSG’s cricket franchises, explicitly including Manchester Super Giants, as well as their international partners Durban Super Giants and Lucknow Super Giants. The new facilities are also expected to be available to touring and international sides using Emirates Old Trafford for matches.
"Cricket is at the heart of RPSG Group's sporting investments, and this partnership reflects our long-term commitment to the game," said Dr Sanjiv Goenka, Chairman of the RPSG Group.
Dr Goenka added that the investment is intended to "leave a lasting legacy for cricket in this region – a facility that will shape the development of players for generations to come." The statement frames the redevelopment as both a local and international resource for player preparation and performance.
Dame Sarah Storey, Chair of Lancashire Cricket, described the announcement as an "exciting milestone" that builds on a joint venture with RPSG. She said the partnership would allow the club to immediately progress the redevelopment plans which have been a long-term objective.
Local significance and potential impacts
For Manchester, the project represents more than new training space. Upgraded high-performance facilities at the heart of one of the city’s major sports venues promise to strengthen professional pathways for young players across Greater Manchester and Lancashire, and to elevate the standard of coaching, sports science and medical support available locally.
While the exact timetable and the full financial breakdown of the acquisition and redevelopment have not been published in detail, the organisations say the move is funded as part of a multi-million-pound scheme. The reuse of land immediately adjacent to Emirates Old Trafford means construction is likely to be visible to residents and supporters in the surrounding neighbourhoods.
| Facility | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Indoor nets | All-weather practice and skill work |
| Gym | Strength and conditioning |
| Sports science & medical | Injury prevention, recovery and performance analysis |
Those involved say the centre will not only support elite squads but also serve academy and age-group teams, which could see improved coaching and facilities for young cricketers in the city. The connection to RPSG’s wider franchise network means Manchester’s new facilities could also attract international training camps and boost the city’s profile as a cricketing hub.
Residents and supporters will watch closely for further details on planning applications, construction timelines and community engagement as the project moves from land acquisition to the redevelopment phase. Local councillors and neighbourhood groups are likely to expect consultation on traffic, access and construction impacts given the site’s proximity to the ground and nearby residential areas.
For now, the acquisition marks a clear commitment from both RPSG and Lancashire Cricket to invest in the sporting infrastructure around Emirates Old Trafford, with promises it will benefit the club, the Super Giants family and the wider game "for years to come."
