Plans for a £60m redevelopment of Leicestershire’s Uptonsteel County Ground have taken a major step forward with the formation of a new working party.
The group has been formed to drive forward the transformation of Leicestershire County Cricket Club’s home stadium and will include one of the leading figures behind Leicester City’s move to King Power Stadium.
Steve Kind, currently a non-executive director at Leicestershire CCC, oversaw Leicester City’s departure from Filbert Street and will now bring his wealth of experience to the working party, which also comprises representatives from Leicester City Council and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
Namita Patel, community and EDI Director, will play an important role in liaising with residents and wider groups to continue the club’s commitment to giving everyone a voice during the period of consultation. A series of community focus groups have already taken place to inform neighbouring residents about the proposals.
The working party met for the first time on Wednesday, 31 May.
Sean Jarvis, CEO of Leicestershire County Cricket Club, said: “The formation of the group is an exciting step forward as we work together to bring this hugely ambitious project to life.
“Many of the individuals involved have been there and done it when it comes to leisure developments of this size, so I am confident that the vast range of expertise sitting round the table can move things along at a pace.”
The redevelopment proposals were first revealed earlier this year and extensive talks have been ongoing with a view to beginning the first phase of development in the winter of 2023. Among the options being explored are the development of residential homes, healthcare and retail outlets.
The launch of an Academy of Cricket campus, that could host a wide range of academic activities including the world’s first MBA in cricket management, also forms part of the long-term vision for the project.
Other members of the working party include Bruce Cruse; Director of Facilities at the ECB, Tom Lo’Monte; Head of Capital at Leicester City Council, Ian Kendall; Director of Leisure Projects at LCCC, Chairman; John Thorpe and Stadium Manager; Dan Archer.
Steve Kind said: “The redevelopment of Leicestershire’s home of cricket is long overdue and I am positive that this project will be the envy of the cricketing world when complete
“For a project of this scale, it needs many minds coming together round the table who each bring different expertise. I am pleased to see that everyone on this working party is committed to the same goal which is to make the £60m transformation a reality.”
Bruce Cruse added: “The ECB welcomes Leicestershire looking at all options to create a sustainable long-term future for the Club.”
