GLOUCESTERSHIRE have submitted planning application to Bristol City Council for the redevelopment of the County Ground, Bristol.
The proposals include a 20,000 seat capacity stadium, new Media Centre, improved conference facilities, upgraded public gymnasium facility including a swimming pool, and enhanced education facility.
The proposals also include enabling development of student accommodation, which is needed to fund the development.
The club looked at a number of options and identified Student Accommodation as being in great demand in the city and fitting in perfectly with the mainly summer schedule of the Cricket club. Due to feedback received during the consultation process the club is looking to source additional funding to allow a reduction in the student accommodation from the 550 originally proposed, to 350 rooms.
Gloucestershire have conducted a wide consultation process for the proposed ground development, originally announcing their aspirations during their World Class West Campaign in 2008 which was launched at the Houses of Commons and included a Community Open Day in April 2008. In July 2009 GCCC members and 2,500 local households were invited to view the plans at public exhibitions. As a result of the comments and suggestions received the design team presented revised plans at a further exhibition on 5th September.
A Gloucestershire statement said: "These proposals are crucial to retaining our One Day International status beyond 2011 and essential for the future viability of the club.
"We have hosted international matches at the County Ground since 1999 and have recently announced that we have secured an international match for 2011.
"We have received some very positive feedback to our plans from the majority of those consulted. Their input has helped to shape proposals that will enable Bristol to continue to compete with cities across the UK as a destination for world class sport."
Gloucestershire hope that the new development will allow the Club to continue expanding their work with the local community.
An enhanced education facility will enable more local schools to participate in their cricket education programme and disability cricket programme.
Improving their conference and banqueting centre would add significantly to the facilities in the city.
The upgraded gym facilities would provide better facilities for the local community and help develop its use by the City of Bristol College as part of their curriculum.
Improved facilities would also help the club be a potential training site if Bristol were named a host city for the 2018 Football World Cup.
The proposals are essential to retain international cricket at the County Ground in order to conform to minimum standards specified by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).
International cricket is an important source of revenue for the club, helps develop players of international standing, and provides significant economic benefits for the City of Bristol.
