$55M to make QP Oval cricket World Cup ready

WITH the ICC Cricket World Cup, which is being held for the first time in the Caribbean, just under two years away, reconstruction at the Queen’s Park Oval to make it World Cup ready is expected to be completed by October 2006. This, according to QP Oval manager Roger Henderson, who said major construction was earmarked for the middle of July. “Some work has started already and we’re looking at a 14-month construction period,” Henderson said.

“There are no tenders in place as yet but we are working to have this in place within the next two weeks.” Henderson said he had no idea how many workers would be involved in the project, saying the contractors would decide on the numbers. Asked by Newsday as to the cost to bring the Oval up to World Cup standard, Henderson said estimates were put at TT$55 million. “The media centre will be torn down and rebuilt. Turnstiles, food courts will be also be built and the drainage on the field would be redone,” Henderson said.

Admitting that the construction work would impact on the several social organisations and groups who from time to time use the Oval, Henderson said that once construction was completed, the various social organisations who sponsored the stands will have their normal rights respected — except for the two to three months for the 2007 Cricket World Cup. As to the impending influx of female members into the Queen’s Park Cricket Club, Henderson said all systems were being put in place and facilities erected to make female members feel comfortable at the Club and Oval.