Gloucestershire are exploring options to relocate from their historic Bristol County Ground to a new site on the edge of the city.
The club have played at the ground in Ashley Down, Bristol, for more than a century with the first match held on Nevil Road in 1889.
Gloucestershire said the move would “ensure the competitiveness and long-term sustainability” of the club.
The preferred site is in South Gloucestershire, close to the M4.
“This is a significant turning point for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we look to secure the club’s long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world,” club chairman David Jones said.
“As well as delivering for our members the modern and low-carbon facilities they deserve in order to showcase an ever-wider range of world class events here in the South West, we are keen to continue our active role in the community to widen participation and inspire the next generation of sports women and men.”
Gloucestershire have cited the lack of growth potential and “strain on infrastructure and facilities” as the reason to move away from the Seat Unique Stadium – as it is known for sponsorship reasons.
A new purpose-built ground would allow the club to host bigger international cricket fixtures and also afford the opportunity to be part of white-ball franchise tournaments, their statement continued, such as the Hundred.
Restrictions around the current site limit Gloucestershire’s ability to host events outside the regular summer cricket season.
Gloucestershire were relegated to County Championship Division Two in 2022 and finished bottom of the table this season.
In the club’s most recent accounts to the year ending January 2023, Gloucestershire recorded £570,000 losses compared with £92,000 profit the previous year.
Gloucestershire’s founder is legendary amateur WG Grace, who helped acquire the Nevil Road site in 1879.
The first ever County Championship match was played at the ground in 1890, between Gloucestershire and Yorkshire.
Richard Gould, chief executive of the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) added: “It’s fantastic to see Gloucestershire displaying the ambition to provide cricket fans in the West Country with a state-of-the-art sports and leisure arena.”
