Lancashire plan to build a new training facility in Farington, near Preston, which will host men's and women's first-team games to address a "pressing" need for a second permanent home ground.
The club revealed their plans in conjunction with Lancashire County Council on Wednesday which, subject to public consultation and planning development, would see a new, year-round facility build in Central Lancashire featuring two full-sized pitches and training facilities including nets, a pavilion, a gym and hospitality space.
Lancashire said in a press release that the facility would become a "centre of excellence" for women's cricket in the North-West and would host "a number of men's and women's competitive matches each year when Emirates Old Trafford is unavailable", as well as providing a training base.
While Lancashire clarified that they will continue to use their outgrounds at Liverpool, Southport, Blackpool and Sedbergh School, Andy Anson, the club's chairman, said that the growing number of fixtures and other events - including regular rock concerts - staged at Old Trafford had created a need for another home venue.
"We're thrilled to be working with Lancashire County Council on this project as we aim to grow the game of cricket in all its forms, from elite right through to recreational club cricket, together across the county," Anson said.
"With the number of international and domestic matches, as well as other events being held at Emirates Old Trafford, the need for a second ground has become pressing. It's something that we've been working on for a while and the new development will provide fantastic elite facilities for both our men's and women's side and can also be used for recreational cricket and the wider community."
Matt Roller is an assistant editor at ESPNcricinfo. @mroller98
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