Developer looks at Edgbaston plan

Warwickshire have joined forces with a developer over plans to redevelop their Edgbaston headquarters as part of a £30m proposed scheme.

The county said proposals, which have included building a new stand and increasing capacity to more than 25,000, have moved a step closer.

It added 1,000 jobs may be created and there were plans to build office and residential elements and a hotel.

It was "critical" the scheme goes ahead to secure Test matches, the club said.

However, the project would still require planning permission.

Warwickshire's commercial director James McLaughlin said Edgbaston was "very much" in a competitive market place.

He said: "You can look at examples such as Lancashire and Old Trafford recently where they've missed out on three years' worth of Test match cricket.

"They're currently forecasting projected losses of £1m a year because of the loss of Test match cricket at Old Trafford.

"We need to secure Test (matches) and major domestic finals as well.

"It would be remiss of us to think that we can just rely on the years of heritage and success that Edgbaston's had as a Test match venue."