PLANS to bring international matches featuring the best cricketers in the world to Taunton look like getting a £1million boost.

Somerset County Cricket Club wants to demolish the County Ground’s Old Pavilion once used by stars like Sammy Woods, Harold Gimblett and Ian Botham and build a £3million development.

Taunton Deane Council’s community scrutiny meeting this week backed a request for a £1m loan to the club repayable at a commercial rate – full council will make the final decision.

The club is seeking further loans from the England and Wales Cricket Board and its bank.

The ECB has already said it will allow Somerset to bid to host lucrative one-day internationals and Twenty20 internationals at the County Ground if the development is completed within three years.

Somerset chief executive Guy Lavender said the plans include demolishing the Old Pavilion and replacing it with:

  • 1,500 additional seats – 75% of them covered – taking the ground’s permanent capacity to 8,500, with temporary stands boosting the big match total to 15,000;
  • a media centre for 100 journalists, doubling up as a conference facility on non-match days, plus permanent press box;
  • open-top roof offering spectators a spectacular view of Taunton, including its famous church towers.

Mr Lavender told councillors: “There’s a compelling need for a smaller ground and the tight-knit County Ground is brilliant for spectators, broadcasters and players.

“Somerset matches are well-attended and we’re a popular club with the second highest attendances for domestic matches anywhere in the country and the highest for County Championship games.

“You can make money from one-day internationals and there would be economic benefits to Taunton and the region.

“Somerset has been provisionally granted Category B status (allowing it to stage international one-days) – if we do everything in the plans, we’ll be allowed to host international cricket in Taunton.”

Councillors overwhelmingly backed a £1million loan, saying the scheme would benefit the community and boost Project Taunton, which is overseeing the regeneration of the town centre.

After the meeting Mr Lavender said: “I’m heartened and delighted by the support the council has shown.

“This is a project of enormous benefit for the local community and the South-West more broadly.”