This is who will play first at new Farington cricket ground -as huge extra investment is announced
Bosses at Lancashire Cricket have approved an extra six-figure investment into their new second home in Farington - and announced the first fixtures.
The purpose-built facility - a £20 million project in total - brings together elite and community cricket in one high-quality location in the heart of Lancashire. The ground features two cricket ovals: a professional oval, which will host competitive men's and women's matches, and a community oval dedicated to recreational, youth and grassroots cricket, delivered through the Lancashire Cricket Foundation.
It is set to open in time for this year’s cricket season, which starts in July.
Further £300,000
A central pavilion provides four changing rooms, fitness facilities, and both outdoor and covered net areas, ensuring the venue is well-equipped to serve players at every level of the game. The Club has committed a further £300,000 in investment over the next 12 months, which will fund additional seating, further grounds equipment and CCTV to enhance safety, security and the overall spectator experience at the venue.
The indoor training dome - scheduled for completion later this year - is also being expanded thanks to additional funding from the ECB and Government. Once complete, the facility will help ensure cricket across the county can thrive year-round, providing access for both professional and community players throughout the winter months.
Fixtures announced
The Club plans to host two men's Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures at Farington during the 2026 season, with matches against Kent Spitfires and Notts Outlaws scheduled for Tuesday, July 28 and Thursday, July 30 respectively. Lancashire Cricket also intends to host two Lancashire Women's Metro Bank One-Day Cup fixtures at the venue, against Surrey on Thursday, September 3 and Durham on Sunday, September 6, subject to ECB approval.
Dame Sarah Storey, Interim Chair of Lancashire Cricket, said: “Continued investment in our cricket facilities is fundamental to the long-term success of this Club. Emirates Old Trafford remains one of the great cricket grounds in the world, and it is our responsibility to ensure it continues to evolve and improve. At the same time, the development at Farington represents an exciting step forward - supporting our professional teams while creating new opportunities for communities and young cricketers across Lancashire to access world-class facilities.
“I would like to thank Lancashire County Council for their support and vision in helping bring this project to life. Having visited the site earlier this year, it is clear that it will become a significant long-term asset for Lancashire Cricket.
“I’m also keen to ensure that Farington becomes a fantastic venue for supporters to watch cricket. It’s incredibly encouraging to hear that more than 500 members have already registered their interest to preview the site in the coming weeks, and I hope they enjoy their first opportunity to look around.”
Developed in partnership with Lancashire County Council, Farington formally came under Lancashire Cricket's control in February 2026, following the completion of construction works by Eric Wright Construction.
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