Worcester's historic Cinderella ground to become 'sports hub' - but who IS the mystery benefactor?

Two years ago a deal was struck over finally restoring the St John's site to its former glories, as a venue for cricket and football.

But despite securing planning permission, a complicated lease wrangle with third party developers meant nothing ever got off the ground.

But Worcester City Council has revealed how a fresh plan has been devised after a secret donor agreed to pump in cash.

Their identity is remaining anonymous, but sources say they have offered a "significant" sum towards the several hundred thousand pound bill to get the revamp done.

The Heart of Worcestershire College is about to submit a fresh planning application to the council over the site, which will include four football pitches, a new cricket pavilion to replace the world famous dilapidated one, changing rooms and drainage.

It will be up and running as a thriving sports venue by the autumn of 2018, with the council's Labour leadership meeting next Tuesday to give it their backing.

The wrecked landscape, off Bransford Road, was once well known as the home of Kays' sport and social club, but has stood empty since the company closed in 2007.

The shocking state of the site in recent years has shocked historians, as it was the original home of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, hosting the legendary WG Grace, then aged 20, in 1870 during the first ever Australian tour to Britain in 1878.

It later became the works ground for the Cinderella shoe factory, before being taken over by Kays.

The site is owned by developer Arndale and is rented to the council on a 25-year lease, which will sub-let it to the college for a peppercorn fee.

The exact finances of the new deal are being kept confidential but the council, college, Sport England, some developer contributions and the secret donation means there is enough in the pot to get the whole project delivered.

The ground's original ornate pavilion, which has been effectively condemned, is still fenced off but the deal to dismantle and rebuild it before putting it on display at Avoncroft Museum is still expected to go-ahead.

If the cabinet approves the plan next week, work will start on the site before the end of May, with the entire overhaul done within 18 months.

Councillor Adrian Gregson, city council leader, said: "The Cinderella Sports Ground is a much-loved community facility - I know thousands of people across the city would love to see cricket and football being played there again.

"I will be urging the cabinet to support this scheme so players can be back in on this historic ground by the autumn of 2018."

A Heart of Worcestershire College spokesman said: "Restoring the Cinderella ground to its former glory would mean a great deal to the local community, and provide extra opportunities for young people and sports clubs in the area."