Bermuda Firm’s Objection May Break LCCC
Lancashire cricket authorities say a UK High Court ruling into the £32 million redevelopment of its landmark Old Trafford ground being opposed by a Bermuda firm will a “make or break” the club.
Plans to turn the world famous ground into a Test Match venue are on hold after Bermuda-based Derwent Holdings, which owns a nearby retail development, lodged a judicial review into Trafford Council’s decision to grant approval to the scheme.
That review is to be be heard in Manchester on February 28, although a decision is not expected to be immediately forthcoming.
The Lancashire County Cricket Club in partnership with British supermarket chain Tesco were granted planning permission last year for the scheme. An on-site Tesco mega-store is incorporated into the Old Trafford redevelopment plan. Derwent objected after its own plans to build a food outlet at its nearby White City retail park were rejected.
Bermuda-based Derwent Holdings is associated with British multi-millionaire Albert Gubay, who lives in the Isle of Man. In March Mr. Gubay transferred his whole business empire, including property group Derwent Holdings, to a charitable trust, fulfilling a “deal with God” the devout Roman Catholic made as an impoverished young man
LCCC’s chief execitive Jim Cumbes says if the redevelopment doesn’t go ahead, it could be the end of the 147-year-old club.
“This will be a make or break decision,” Mr. Cumbes this week told the Manchester “Evening News.”
“The stakes could not be higher. The club has spent £1.5 million on costs associated with planning, advisors and in particular, Derwent’s delaying tactics.
“There has also been a £2 million reduction in grants as a result of not being able to start the development programme as planned.
“If we cannot bring the ground up to international standard, the north-west will lose Test cricket and the Ashes for good.
“Our plans have been the subject of thorough and detailed consultation. A key part of our plans are guaranteed local jobs for the unemployed, links to local schools and major community benefits.
“But Derwent seem to care not a jot about international cricket, the image of Trafford, or the prospects for local kids and the unemployed.
“LCCC has been in Old Trafford for 150 years and is seeking to secure a future for international cricket for the next century.
“Derwent’s action is about securing commercial gain at the expense of the LCCC’s sporting legacy for schools, community groups and young people in the north west.”
