The government has confirmed funding for the construction of an indoor cricket dome at Lancashire Cricket’s new second home in Farington, which is set to open next year.
The dome – which was already planned but is now being expanded thanks to the additional funding – will ensure that cricket in the county can thrive year-round, providing access for both professional and community cricket during the winter months.
Lisa Nandy, Wigan MP and Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport, joined England internationals Sophie Ecclestone and Phil Salt at Leyland Cricket Club, where they met local children who were from girl’s teams across clubs in Lancashire, as part of a cricket summer camp to make the announcement.
In addition to two cricket ovals at Farington – one professional and one community – and an outdoor net area, the site will now also feature an indoor cricket dome, alongside a pavilion between the ovals. As part of its mission to break down barriers to participation, the government is investing £1.5m to help the England and Wales Cricket Board deliver high-quality facilities.
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Lancashire Cricket and Lancashire County Council are working together to build the new facility in South Ribble. Once complete, it will become the club’s second home after Emirates Old Trafford and help to provide a clear pathway for the next generation of cricket talent progressing through the Red Rose system.
Daniel Gidney, chief executive at Lancashire Cricket, said: “We are incredibly excited by this news and what it means not only for our professional men’s and women’s teams, but also for the local community, who will all have access to this fantastic facility throughout the year.
“Farington was already set to be a game-changer for us at Lancashire Cricket, but this funding ensures that high-level training can take place no matter the weather or time of year.
“I would like to thank the government and the England and Wales Cricket Board for their support, and we are looking forward to seeing the cricket dome and wider site continue to take shape, ahead of Farington opening next year.”
Nandy, added: “Cricket has a remarkable power to inspire and unite communities all over the world and today we are making sure that more people of all backgrounds have the chance to experience the game.
“The domes will be places where cricket-lovers and newcomers alike can come together to play, get active, make real-life connections and chase sporting dreams.”
Lancashire and England spinner Sophie Ecclestone said: “It’s fantastic that more people will get the chance to play cricket thanks to these domes.
“Facilities like these can make a massive difference in local communities and open cricket up to so many more people, and it will be brilliant to see them in action next year.”
