Essex County Cricket Club's Chelmsford home looks set for a dramatic makeover in time for next season.

Impressive permanent floodlights and a new media centre will be built at ECCC's New Writtle Street site if planning applications are rubber stamped.

Club bosses are also hoping to get the green light for a large development including a shop and fitness and physio centres.

Peter Edwards, general manager at the County Ground, said press facilities were already good but moving them would give journalists a better view.

"They'll now be in line with the stumps rather than at square leg. There'll be tea and coffee facilties and a television," he said.

"They share the accommodation with the official scorers which lets them get their statistics."

Mr Edwards said maintenance staff at the club would be building the new press box.

He added that with Chelmsford Council's approval it would be up and running in time for the new season.

The floodlight plans are not as definite and Mr Edwards was not sure whether they would be installed so soon due to their hefty price tag.

Essex also only have one night match scheduled in the 2000 season which was due to take place at Colchester.

He said: "You're talking about a £250,000 investment and I'm not sure we should do it next year."

Mr Edwards explained that the third change would be to replace the existing facilities outside the ground with revamped versions.

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