Luton is set for a major sporting lift with the UK’s largest indoor cricket dome planned for Lewsey Park, a project aimed at breaking down barriers to participation and inspiring more women and girls to take up the game ahead of the 2026 Women’s T20 World Cup.
The news comes after an initial announcement by the government in August, though the location within the town was not then known. The dome promises to be a landmark sporting venue, with cricket at its heart but a clear ambition to open doors for a range of sports and the wider community.
Work is due to begin soon with the dome scheduled to open in summer 2026, offering world-class indoor practice for local players, schools and grassroots clubs. The flexible space will also accommodate hockey, tennis and badminton, ensuring year-round access to sport.
The project is funded through grants and capital investment from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), Sport England and the Department of Culture, Media and Sport as part of a nationwide programme to widen access to cricket.
Councillor Hazel Simmons, Leader of Luton Council, called the investment, “a game-changer for cricket Luton as it will keep the nation’s summer sport thriving through the winter months. The new dome will help break down barriers to participation, providing opportunities for young people, women and girls, and local schools to access high-quality sports facilities. Cricket, and other sports, will now be within reach for many more in our community.”
Richard Gould, Chief Executive of the ECB, said: “At the ECB we are focused on breaking down barriers and making cricket the most inclusive team sport, and state-of-the-art all-weather cricket domes like this facility in Luton will be truly transformative.
“We know from the dome already up and running in Bradford that facilities like these bring people together, open up opportunities and inspire the next generation. We’re pleased to secure Government support to be able to bring those opportunities to the people of Luton and we look forward to future collaboration.”
Richard Darwin, Chief Executive of Cricket East, added: “We are delighted to have confirmation that this world class facility will be delivered for local people in 2026. Luton loves cricket and this facility is desperately needed to keep up with demand for the game. I’d like to pay tribute to our partners, both locally and nationally, for their commitment to this project.”
Lisa Dodd-Mayne, Executive Director for Place at Sport England, said: “The construction of this new indoor dome is great news for the sport of cricket and for the people of Luton. Our investment in Luton goes far beyond the £1 million we’ve invested to build this facility. We are committed to the area, partnering and collaborating with trusted organisations and the local community, to create more opportunities for people to be active, so that the people of Luton can lead healthier lives for longer.”
