Emirates Old Trafford completes in time for The Ashes

The completion of the last phase of Lancashire County Cricket Club’s £32m redevelopment was marked today (18 June) with the opening of The Pavilion.

The radically enhanced Pavilion reinstates the historic 1895 building at the heart of the ground and provides new facilities for members and new club offices.

The design removes post-war extensions which cluttered the much-loved old building, sensitively intertwining a new steel-framed red brick and glass extension with the original distinctive red brick and sandstone facade and iconic turrets.

Gavin Elliott, chairman of BDP's Manchester studio, said: "The Pavilion is the emotional heart of the cricket club, and throughout the design process we have worked with the club to ensure we strike a balance between creating a state-of-the-art sporting venue that respects the emotional attachment many have for the 'old' Pavilion. The Pavilion has been restored to its rightful place as the physical and symbolic centrepiece of the new ground."

BDP developed a masterplan in 2008 for the cricket ground and wider area to redevelop the facilities and safeguard the future of international cricket in the north west of England.  Previously completed phases include the award winning events venue The Point and a new Player and Media Centre.

The  revitalised and radically transformed Emirates Old Trafford creates a unique world-class setting for international cricket, in time for Old Trafford to once again host an Ashes test match this summer.