Overview

• The Department for Culture, Media and Sport confirmed £1.5m for two indoor domes in Luton and Farington in partnership with the ECB.
• The Luton facility is slated to open in early 2026 with access for state‑school pupils and potential use for other sports such as hockey and tennis.
• The Farington dome is planned for summer 2026 as a focal point for women and girls’ cricket, a permanent base for Lancashire’s women, and a disability cricket hub.
• Officials say the facilities target wider participation among women, disabled players, South Asian communities and state‑school pupils, citing a roughly 20% rise in women and girls playing in 2024.
• The commitment is positioned alongside new investment flowing into the game from minority sales in The Hundred franchises, with some proceeds earmarked for community projects.