New Road stands in the shadow of Worcester cathedral

The work will include the construction of a new main entrance to the ground, a new Members' Pavilion, executive suite and players' changing rooms.

A club statement said the work was needed to enable Worcestershire to "remain competitive with the bigger counties on the circuit".

They hope to receive approval for the scheme in three to four months.

After that, a full business and financial plan will be drawn up before the board makes a final decision on whether to proceed.

"Whatever the final financial package, the available funding for cricket will remain sacrosanct, so there will be no impact on the resources available for Director of Cricket Steve Rhodes," the statement added.

Worcestershire have played at New Road since 1899 and it is one of England's most picturesque county venues, located close to the River Severn and the city's cathedral.

The club believes there is a need to bring their facilities into the 21st century but the work, which will involve redeveloping half the ground, can be done without altering it's "essential character and ambience".