OUTGOING Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale has revealed the club had held ‘preliminary talks’ over the possible introduction of retractable floodlights at New Road.
Leatherdale revealed the talks during the club’s AGM and confirmed Worcestershire will be the only one of the 18 first class counties not to have floodlights by the end of the 2016 campaign.
The issue of floodlights was brought into focus when the Pears’ NatWest T20 Blast quarter-final with Hampshire ended in farcical circumstances last August due to bad light.
Hampshire progressed to Finals Day on Duckworth-Lewis despite having bowled just 8.1 overs in Worcestershire’s run chase.
Leatherdale said the estimated costs of retractable floodlights was between £1m and £2m.
“Obviously the options are something that sits above the flood plain which is also retractable which can be done,” he said.
“The balance for us is the risk and return scenario.
“Yes, I have a concern if we do end up with two divisions in T20, and we are the only team without floodlights, that could be used against us.
“It is on the club’s radar. It will be a difficult conversation with the council but, if it secures the future here, then it is something that will probably need to take place.
Leatherdale also confirmed plans to build an indoor school, possibly on land at the back of the University of Worcester Arena in Hylton Road, were on the agenda.
“Hopefully, when it happens, it will probably be the biggest and best indoor facility in the country,” he added.
“The plan if we can get it off the ground is to work with the ECB so it becomes a National Centre of Excellence.
A Worcester City Council spokesman said the cricket club had, in the past, liaised with them and erected temporary floodlights for one-off matches.
“But, if Worcestershire wanted permanent floodlights at New Road, they would need to apply for planning permission,” he added.
