A new £12m conference and events venue at Old Trafford Cricket Ground in Manchester - the home of Lancashire Cricket Club (LCCC) - has been officially opened.

The Point, which forms part of a wider overhaul of the venue, can cater for up to 1,000 people and boasts a mezzanine bar area. Manchester-based BDP Architects designed the facility, which was built by Morgan Ashurst.

Plans for the second phase of the Old Trafford redevelopment project has recently been handed planning permission by the local authority, which is expected to cost £50m overall.

Last year, LCCC was awarded a £2.65m grant by the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) towards the scheme in a bid to secure Old Trafford's status as an international cricket venue.

NWDA chair Robert Hough said: "I feel privileged to be joining Freddie [Andrew Flintoff] at a venue which is an important asset for the Northwest. Lancashire County Cricket Club is part of the region's sporting heritage and makes a significant social and economic impact."

LCCC chief executive Jim Cumbes added: "Over the past 14 months, we have witnessed major building work as stands were demolished to make way for the construction of this magnificent 1,000 seat hospitality and banqueting venue."

Image: NWDA chair Robert Hough with Andrew Flintoff (right)