Edgbaston chiefs seek assurances
A DELEGATION from the Bears will meet key ECB officers in London on Monday to lobby for their maximum possible commitment to Edgbaston as an ongoing international arena.
Multi-million-pound plans to redevelop the Pavilion End at Edgbaston remain on track after an update meeting between Warwickshire CCC and Birmingham City Council went favourably yesterday.
The plans hinge on the city council loaning Warwickshire a substantial sum, reported to run into eight figures. Vital to the Bears’ ability to repay such a sum would be Edgbaston hosting a high number of international matches beyond the short term.
The ECB have issued encouraging noises in recent months but the Bears’ current Category A staging agreement runs only until 2012.
That won’t be extended on Monday but Warwickshire chief executive Colin Povey hopes to elicit even greater support from the board when he and chairman Neil Houghton meet a delegation, including ECB chairman Giles Clarke and CEO David Collier.
“The ECB have been very helpful,” Povey said. “We are going down on Monday to keep them fully informed of the situation but also to try to lobby for as much international cricket as possible in the future.
“Our ability to pay back a loan from the council will be heavily dependant on how many major matches we are able to host.”
Progress has been made with several aspects of plans to replace the shabby, 19th century pavilion.
A preferred developer for the Pershore Road side of Edgbaston has been selected and talks have advanced with the Calthorpe Estate about addressing covenants that cover the land.
If all other strands come together, the plans will go before Warwickshire’s committee for their approval in November.
With their backing, the proposals could then start turning into reality with demolition of the pavilion starting late next season.
Redevelopment would continue throughout 2010 but, while outgrounds are an option, it is possible that all home games could still be played at Edgbaston.
