Gloucestershire County Cricket Club confirmed they are exploring the possibility of selling their historic home ground in Bristol, and moving to a bespoke stadium outside of the city. The Nevil Road Ground in central Bristol has been Gloucestershire’s base since 1889, when the land was gifted to the club by WG Grace. However, in recent seasons, the ground has been beset by drainage issues, causing the abandonment of each of its last four ODIs and other fixtures. Due to its central position, the opportunities to overhaul the ground’s existing infrastructure are limited. Following a report in the Telegraph last week, which estimated that the land could be worth £40 million if it was sold to developers, the club confirmed that a consultation is underway.
“To ensure the competitiveness and long-term sustainability of Gloucestershire Cricket, we must look at the possibility of relocating the club and are now looking to enter into more active negotiations around a potential move to an appropriate new site,” the club wrote. The club’s preferred site is close to the M4 in South Gloucestershire, on the outskirts of Bristol. Gloucestershire Cricket Chair, David Jones, said: “This is a significant turning point for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we look to secure the club’s long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world.”
“We look forward to engaging with our members, neighbouring residents, stakeholders and the public as we continue a journey that WG Grace started many years ago.” Richard Gould, the ECB’s chief executive, and a former CEO of Bristol City Football Club, hailed the club’s “ambitious plans for growth.” It’s fantastic to see Gloucestershire displaying the ambition to provide cricket fans in the West Country with a state-of-the-art sports and leisure arena.”
