Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) and its partners have submitted plans to Trafford Council for the re-development of Old Trafford cricket ground and the surrounding area.

If approved, the development will significantly boost the club's prospects of bringing the Ashes back to Old Trafford and generate huge economic benefits for the area.

The proposals are part of an innovative sports-led regeneration strategy for a 50-acre mixed use neighbourhood in Old Trafford.

The proposals are being brought forward by a partnership between the club, Trafford Council, Ask Developments and Tesco, and will transform the historic venue into one of the country’s premier sporting destinations.

The plans include a Tesco store with approximately 100,000 sq ft retail sales floorspace providing over 500 jobs, half of which would be guaranteed for the local long-term unemployed. This store would be built on Chester Road, two blocks from the Old Trafford cricket ground site.

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The development will bring investment of at least £70m into parts of Trafford which suffer from low levels of economic activity and employment. It will generate an estimated 71,000 additional visitors to Old Trafford each year, creating a further £1m per year additional spend in the local economy. It will include new facilities offering a host of educational and training opportunities for the local community.

LCCC's Chief Executive Jim Cumbes said: "The club makes a huge contribution to the local and regional economy and is a critical part of the region’s international sporting infrastructure.

"It's a time right now of fierce competition for the rights to stage International Test Matches, which has seen the ground lose the Ashes this year. The significant investment in the new facilities will ensure that Old Trafford regains its rightful place on the International Test Match circuit in time for the 2013 Ashes Test."

Phase 1 of the development is already under way, with new conference and events suite, The Point, under construction and due for completion in July 2010. The striking new designs for Phase 2 by architects BDP aim to retain the heritage and history of the famous ground by enhancing the existing pavilion, as well as adding stunning new player and media facilities, conferencing, hotel facilities and an extension to the highly successful indoor Cricket School. Two new grandstands will ensure a capacity of 15,000 capable of rising to 25,000 with temporary seating. There will also be floodlights and a screen showing action replays.

(CD/KMcA)