Signing of of the steel

The £7.5m redevelopment project of the historic Pavilion at Lancashire County Cricket Club (LCCC) was celebrated on the 29^th November with a traditional ‘topping out’ ceremony, led by construction company Morgan Sindall.

Officials from the Club, Morgan Sindall, BDP and members of Lancashire County Cricket Club Foundation’s Young Trustees’ Group signed the steelwork at the top of the Pavilion to mark the final completion of the steel frame.

Demolition of the original pavilion commenced in May this year when former CEO and ex LCCC player Jim Cumbes teamed up with ex club captain David Lloyd to witness the event.

The Pavilion, which is due to be completed by early summer, will provide brand new state-of-the-art facilities for LCCC Members, guests and business delegates. It has retained its original red brick façade and iconic turrets but will undergo a modern overhaul that will see it reaching a similar height to the clubs conference and events venue, The Point.

Chairman of Lancashire County Cricket Club Michael Cairns OBE said: “Today marks another milestone in what has truly been a marathon. It has been an
incredibly long and, at times, arduous journey to achieve the final planning consent to redevelop Old Trafford into a world class venue, but we are now on schedule to complete before the return of The Ashes next summer.”

When complete the Pavilion will be able to accommodate up to 700 delegates utilising eight suites and nine executive boxes. The flexibility offered by the venue for meetings and events will expand LCCC’s business offerings and further enhance the facilities already provided by The Point.

Michael adds: “The Point is already well established as a leading conference and events facility, while the new Players and Media Centre was highly acclaimed when it opened for last summer’s International T20 between England and South Africa. The Pavilion is very much the epicentre of Old Trafford and Lancashire County Cricket Club and it will have some best-in-class amenities, not only for our Members, but also for hospitality guests on match days and provide exquisite and unrivalled facilities for business use on non-match days.”

Jim Morgan, area director at Morgan Sindall, said: “We’re delighted to be marking this significant milestone on such a prestigious project. We have been privileged to have been the principal contractor throughout the wider development of the club and it’s really exciting to be nearing completion on this final phase.”

Gavin Elliott, chairman of the BDP Manchester Studio said: “The Pavilion is the emotional heart of the cricket club. BDP’s design means it will continue to be the focal point of a transformation which is creating a unique, world-class setting for international cricket.

He adds: “We have worked closely with the Club to ensure the design strikes the right balance between the new state-of-the-art 21st century sporting venue we have been creating progressively, and the real emotional attachment many understandably have to the ‘old’ Pavilion. When complete, the Pavilion will be restored to its rightful place as the physical and symbolic centre-piece of the new Ground.”

The Point

Designs by the Manchester studio of architects BDP has led to The Point, the conference and banqueting venue at Lancashire County Cricket Club, being included in the lighting design category shortlist at the forthcoming prestigious FX International Interior Design Awards.

These prestigious awards invite both UK and International design talent from all over the world to enter the very best of interior products and projects.

Commenting on behalf of The Point, sales manager Peter Ash said: “We worked very closely with the team from BDP at the initial design stage and we are delighted to hear that they have been shortlisted for this impressive award.”

Peter adds: Visitors often comment on the amazing lighting and the versatility it brings to the suite, it makes The Point an Event Organiser’s dream venue.”

BDP designed the world famous Old Trafford cricket ground with their lighting team providing the designs for the exterior lighting to the façade, concourse area and stand, as well as internal lighting to the front of house areas including entrance, event space, bars, circulation areas and facilities.

Brendan Keely, Associate Lighting Designer at BDP’s Manchester studio, said: “We are excited to have been shortlisted for this coveted award as lighting within the leisure sector is very challenging. You are tasked with creating a stunning visual effect and yet need to be as sustainable and energy efficient as possible. The lighting scheme for The Point is a great example of how this can be achieved by using State-of-the-art low energy LED lighting and controls.

The ability of the lighting design to contribute to The Point’s carbon reduction commitment has set a precedent for all sports venues around the world Organised by FX magazine, these desired awards, and the grand, glamorous black tie ceremony which celebrates them at the Grosvenor Hotel in London, are the highlights of the design industry calendar.

Tam Building Events

Companies looking for team building packages with a sporting edge can now check out Old Trafford Cricket Ground’s conference and events venue, The Point, who may have just the thing to ‘bowl’ them over.

If you book one of the meeting facilities in The Point, the Red Rose suite or from summer 2013 the refurbished Pavilion in the morning or afternoon you can spend 3 hours with Lancashire County Cricket Club’s (LCCC’s) experienced coaching staff in the Indoor Cricket Centre.

Sales Manager for The Point, Peter Ash says: “Old Trafford is one of the most celebrated cricket grounds in the world and has hosted many memorable games. The cricket centre itself has been used by some of the world’s most famous players, including our very own Andrew ‘Freddie’ Flintoff.

Peter adds: “With the advent of our new Players and Media Centre facility, which will be used for the first time in September when England play South Africa, and our extensive range of meeting rooms, we believe Old Trafford is the perfect venue for the type of team building packages we have prepared.”

The package includes teas, coffee and a selection of mini pastries on arrival followed by a morning or afternoon break and lunch. The meeting room will include stationary and audio visual equipment with attendance throughout of a personal event manager.

Once in the Indoor Cricket Centre the action begins with a gentle a warm up and ice breaker. This is followed by practise batting, bowling, wicket keeping and fielding before a group game takes place. All this is supervised by the LCCC coaches who are fully English Cricket Board (ECB) trained.

For further information on the cricket team building day delegate packages please contact the events team on Tel: 0161 282 4020 or email events@lccc.co.uk

Santa at The Point

It is that time of the year when most people are thinking of BBQ’s, days out by the sea, holidays abroad and even the forthcoming football season. But one very important person was found to be deep in thought at Old Trafford Cricket Ground’s conference and events venue, The Point, as he contemplated the festive season.

Yes Santa Claus was found relaxing at The Point and thoughts of Christmas Parties and succulent food were top of his agenda, oh and making sure he has enough presents for all good children he will visit on December 25th.

Sales Manager for The Point, Peter Ash says: “We had Santa here last year tasting the Christmas menu alongside ‘Freddie’ Flintoff and I think he was hoping to tuck in again this year but our catering team have got wise to his visits.”

Peter adds: “We look forward to Santa joining us at our Christmas parties which this year commences on Friday 30^th November. It is going to be another exciting and busy time for our catering team. We have lots of different party options in place and whether it’s a celebration amongst friends and family, an office party a buffet menu or a formal dinner our party packages will suit all requirements.”

On arrival for your Christmas Party you will be made to feel like a star as you arrive on the red carpet and are greeted with a reception drink. You will then enjoy a mouth-watering four-course dinner accompanied by live music and entertainment perfectly suited to the occasion.

Why not make a real night of it and stay at the on-site accommodation, the 68 bedroom Old Trafford Lodge.

The Point, which provides breath-taking views of the famous Old Trafford cricket pitch and has state-of-the-art facilities, is certain to be high on the agenda of Christmas revellers so think about booking soon.

To book your party night contact 0161 282 4020 to check availability
and to view the brochure click on the following link http://t.co/DeA5IYoM

Newsquest North West wedding show

With more than 230,000 weddings and civil ceremonies taking place every year and with the average wedding costing over £11,000, it’s clear that getting married takes a lot of time and effort to organise. Each year Newsquest North West run wedding shows across the Northwest region, to help couples plan their big day and put them in touch with companies who can cater for their every need.

Come along to The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club on Sunday, 30^th September 11am till 3pm – talk to the exhibitors, listen to the music and watch the fabulous fashion shows – everything you need for your magical day all under one roof.

Every couple wants their wedding to be perfect and is looking for professional help to ensure their big day runs smoothly, is hassle free, and full of happy memories – our bridal fairs help to make this dream come true. As well as exhibitors show-casing their services, including wedding dresses, suit hire, catering, venue hire, our wedding shows also include fun events like bridal fashion shows, entertainment, and demonstrations.

Now that’s just not cricket!

With Wimbledon tennis fortnight now in full swing, the catering team for The Point, Lancashire County Cricket Clubs conference and events venue, are looking to add Wimbledon style cream teas to the menu. And to ensure that their delights will be fulfilling they invited a bunch of very hungry builders to sample their wares.

The very lucky recipients invited to sample the delights, prepared by executive head chef Nic Ashurst and his team, were from construction company Morgan Sindall who have been working on the new grandstands and new Player and Media facilities at Old Trafford Cricket Ground.

It is not often construction workers are lost for words, but as they walked onto the pitch and saw the array of mouth-watering food laid out on a picnic blanket they were in a eating and not a talking mood.

PeterAsh, Sales Manager of The Point said: “Judging by the empty platters left by the builders, which is all they left, our cream teas are going to be very successful.”

Peter adds: “As you would expect from Nic and his team, whether it is a celebratory dinner, award ceremony, evening buffet or a cream tea, they always produce fresh, sustainable and innovative food. Over the next few months they will be supplying both domestic and International Hospitality Packages for the 2012 season which will add further enjoyment for our guests to that taking place on the famous Old Trafford pitch.”

The Point at Old Trafford cricket ground is one of the most prestigious event venues in the country. The purpose-built facility, in a setting which affords unrivalled views, can accommodate a
conference or a formal dinner for up to 1,000 people.

For further information on The Point please contact the Events Team On tel: 0161 282 4020 or email events@lccc.co.uk

Westlife performing at Fashion Kicks

‘Oh what a night’ and it certainly was as this year’s Fashion Kicks extravaganza took place in true glitzy style at The Point, Old Trafford Cricket Club’s conference and events venue.

Hosted by Aston Villa’s Republic of Ireland International goalkeeper Shay Given, and his wife Jane, Fashion Kicks 2012 scored quite an exclusive with Westlife volunteering their services in what was their final charity gig as a band before they split up in the summer.

Commenting on the evening, Shay who is patron of Macmillan Cancer support, said: “This year’s Fashion Kicks was the best ever. Jane and I are absolutely delighted to have raised over £200,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support and causes close to our heart. Jane has worked incredibly hard to organise this event, and we’d like to thank Westlife, Dawn Porter, dancers Prodijig and all our guests for their generous support.”

This star studded red-carpet show, hosted by stylish TV presenter Dawn Porter, has quickly established itself as one of the must-attend events of the year, attracting leading lights from the worlds of football, fashion, music, entertainment and food.

Manchester City footballers joined their ex colleague Shay in the exclusive Selfridges fashion show. Guests were amazed as City’s Adam Johnson swapped his Nike football boots for Vivienne Westwood clogs and man-skirt while team mate Kolo Toure was bare-chested in a fur lined black jacket. There has been no comment from City manager Roberto Mancini regarding this being part of City’s new away kit!
The Point’s sales manager Peter Ash said: “It was a truly wonderful evening and one we look forward to hosting. The guests were treated to a lavish dinner created by a team of celebrity chefs headed up by Paul Heathcote and Nigel Haworth with our Executive Head Chef Nic Ashurst heavily involved.

Click here to view a video of Fashion Kicks 2012

Our herb garden

The Point at Lancashire County Cricket Club has a gardener who is not one to let the grass grow under his feet. But when it comes to herbs he is more than happy to help them flourish which is why planting is now taking place in readiness for a busy summer of events at the venue.

Last year the Point was awarded Gold Level from the Green Tourism Business Scheme, a national sustainable tourism certification scheme, and The Point’s Green Team continue to ensure that the venue’s environmental mission continues.

Shortly after the award and to continue with the ‘green theme’ gardener Ronnie Jackson transformed land adjacent to the cricket club’s practise nets into a herb and vegetable garden. The garden, which has bloomed under Ronnie’s supervision, is now in the process of new produce being planted to be used by The Point’s catering team.

Peter Ash, sales manager at The Point says: “We are committed to minimising any adverse impact on the environment and our venue has many features incorporated to assist us in that aim. These include rainwater harvesting, solar panels and environmental conditioning to name but a few.

Peter adds: “Produce from the garden, which our chefs are able to pick on a daily basis, is another opportunity for us to promote the green message.”

Prior to taking charge of the herb garden, Ronnie, who has worked for the club for 15 years, grew the majority of the flowers for the beds and hanging baskets at the ground.

Cowzat settling in to her new home.

Lancashire County Cricket Club have given a new meaning to cow corner ahead of the upcoming season and are becoming more green by employing a whole herd of grazing groundstaff.

With LV= County Championship cricket returning to Old Trafford, the Club have mooved quickly to ensure the pitch is ready for April, as well as helping to supply fresh dairy products  for The Point, Lancashire’s 1,000 capacity Conference and Events facility.

A local farmer from Dunham Massey has supplied the Red Rose with the daisy-cutters as the Club look to become trailblazers in county cricket with this latest green initiative.

‘Cowzat’ is the first of a herd of up to six Dairy Shorthorns to arrive at the ground and seemed happy to go onto pastures new after sampling the luscious green outfield that Old Trafford has to offer. She will even become nightwatchman, staying sheltered under The Point before toiling in the field during the day.

As well as the groundstaff, the catering staff will look to benefit from the Club’s latest employees by using the creamy milk in the sweets and puddings prepared on site and once the cream has been skimmed, the milk will also be used for the teas and coffees.

With no expense being spared, Lancashire are looking to be even more economical by using the cows’ manure in the on-site herb garden that has been established for over a year now.

Peter Ash, Sales Manager said: “The Point was recently awarded a Green Tourism Gold Award and to ensure that we retain this award we have brought in the cows to show how determined we are to maintain our green focus both on and off the field.

“Delegates attending the huge range of events, from dinner and conferences to fashion shows held at the Club have shown a lot of interest in our cow and queue up for a photo shoot. It can be very busy so have to ensure that they keep mooving along.”

APRIL FOOLS!

Lanky giving Macmillan the cheque.

It has been a very busy and successful 2011 at Old Trafford Cricket Ground, which is good news for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Over the last 12 months The Point, the ground’s conference and events centre, has raised £1,604.00 for the Macmillan charity through its wine sale donations and from the Player of Year raffle, held in the venue to celebrate the club winning the County Championship outright for the first time in 77 years.

Sarah Page, Area Fund Raising Manager for Macmillan said: “We are absolutely delighted to receive this donation from The Point. The money raised will allow Macmillan Cancer Support to continue to provide practical, medical, emotional and financial support for local people affected by cancer.

Sarah adds: “Cancer is the toughest fight most of us will ever face. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed, you need a team of people in your corner supporting you every step of the way.”

Peter Ash, Sales Manager for The Point said: “ Macmillan Cancer Support has been our preferred charity this year and we are very proud to have been involved with them. The work they carry out is amazing and we know that the money we have helped to raise will be put to very good use.”

The cheque handover took place in the foyer of The Point with the club’s mascot Lanky joining Macmillan’s Sarah Page for the photo shoot. 

If you would like to support Macmillan Cancer Support please get in touch on 01925 846744 or email spage@macmillan.org.uk

For further information on The Point please contact the Events Team

on: 0161 282 4020 or visit www.thepointatlccc.co.uk