A council has approved a £2 million bridging loan to fund a major development at one of the country’s biggest cricket clubs.

Derby City Council’s cabinet agreed to fund Derbyshire County Cricket Club’s redevelopment plan for its 3aaa stadium as the group looks to bid for the 2019 Cricket World Cup games.

The loan from the Council’s Capital Programme, which is supported by £410,000 from the Regeneration Fund, will go towards the creation of a new cricket centre of excellence.  

Leader of Derby City Council, Cllr Ranjit Banwait, believes supporting the club is a key priority for his administration and is the driving reason behind the bridging loan.

“The creation of state-of-the-art facilities at The 3aaa County Ground is a flagship project for Derby,” he said.

“As well raising the profile of Derbyshire cricket both nationally and internationally, it will create jobs for local people, opportunities for local businesses and will increase visitor numbers, bringing additional spending power to Derby.”

Cllr Ranjit hopes that the stadium improvements will help put Derby on the map after improvements to other major venues like Derby County Football Club’s Ipro Stadium and Derby Arena.

“We are committed to making sure that people across Derby benefit from this investment through the chance to both watch and take part in sport,” added Cllr Ranjit.

Chairman of the County Championship Division Two side, Chris Grant, said this is a landmark moment in the club’s 145-year history.

“It’s been made possible by the excellent relationship we have formed with Derby City Council under the leadership of Ranjit Banwait and his Executive team,” said Chris.

“We are now in a position to deliver great facilities for our Members and cricket supporters, as well as making a big difference to the city by creating jobs and opportunities for the people of Derby.”