Gloucestershire are exploring choices to relocate from their historic Bristol County Floor to a brand new web site on the sting of the town.
The membership have performed on the floor in Ashley Down, Bristol, for greater than a century with the primary match held on Nevil Highway in 1889.
Gloucestershire stated the transfer would “make sure the competitiveness and long-term sustainability” of the membership.
The popular web site is in South Gloucestershire, near the M4.
“This can be a important turning level for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we glance to safe the membership’s long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world,” membership chairman David Jones stated.
“In addition to delivering for our members the trendy and low-carbon services they deserve with a view to showcase an ever-wider vary of world class occasions right here within the South West, we’re eager to proceed our lively position locally to widen participation and encourage the subsequent technology of sports activities men and women.”
Gloucestershire have cited the shortage of development potential and “pressure on infrastructure and services” as the rationale to maneuver away from the Seat Distinctive Stadium – as it’s identified for sponsorship causes.
A brand new purpose-built floor would permit the membership to host larger worldwide cricket fixtures and in addition afford the chance to be a part of white-ball franchise tournaments, their assertion continued, such because the Hundred.
Restrictions across the present web site restrict Gloucestershire’s capability to host occasions outdoors the common summer time cricket season.
Gloucestershire had been relegated to County Championship Division Two in 2022 and completed backside of the desk this season.
Within the membership’s most up-to-date accounts to the yr ending January 2023, Gloucestershire recorded £570,000 losses in contrast with £92,000 revenue the earlier yr.
Gloucestershire’s founder is famous newbie WG Grace, who helped purchase the Nevil Highway web site in 1879.
The primary ever County Championship match was performed on the floor in 1890, between Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.
Richard Gould, chief govt of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) added: “It is incredible to see Gloucestershire displaying the ambition to supply cricket followers within the West Nation with a state-of-the-art sports activities and leisure enviornment.”
