Essex County Cricket Club To Begin $130M Redevelopment Of Facilities

Essex County Cricket Club "has announced that work has commenced on the first phase" of its £85M ($130M) redevelopment, according to LONDON24. Contractors "are now on site with the first enabling works already completed." The development will deliver "a new cricket centre, pavilion, media centre and bar, club shop and stadium upgrade, increasing the capacity from 4,500 to 7,500 seats." The pavilion "will offer extensive catering and event facilities, and will be Chelmsford’s premier banqueting venue." These facilities "will be built as part of the next two phases" expected to start in '14. A new public piazza "will form the heart of the scheme, featuring retail and leisure facilities, with pedestrian footbridge access to the city centre." Luxury apartment living "will be brought to the city across four stylishly designed towers, three located adjacent to the River Cam" (LONDON24, 7/24).