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The Point put to the test

Lancashire all-rounder Steven Croft tests the strength of The Point's glass front.

When it was initially announced that the front of The Point, the new conference & events facility at Old Trafford, would be completely made of glass, some sceptical eyebrows were understandably raised. A large glass front that could be subjected to speeding cricket balls begged the question: ‘Will we need to issue hard hats to delegates on arrival?’

So, to demonstrate to The Point’s catering team that there was no way a ball heading towards them at over 90 mph would end up in the soup, or some other culinary delight they’ll be serving up at future events, Lancashire all-rounder Steve Croft donned his whites and put bat to ball.

One of the toughened double-glazed units to be used on the front of the conference facility was strategically placed on the pitch and Steve had numerous attempts at hitting the cricket ball directly at it.

Manufacturers of the glass, M Price, were confident that Steve would inflict no damage, and they were proved right. Try as he might, the glass didn’t crack under pressure!

Sales Manager for The Point, Peter Ash says: “Because of the nature of what happens on the pitch, it was key for M Price, BDP and Morgan Ashurst to work closely together to ensure the challenges of this complex project were addressed from design to completion.”

Peter adds: “The catering staff are now reassured that flying cricket balls won’t mean them having to pad up prior to commencing their silver service duties!”

In excess of 100 double-glazed units have been used on The Point weighing a total of 21 tons.      

The Point at Old Trafford is going to be one of the most prestigious event venues in the country. The purpose-built facility will be able to accommodate a conference or a formal dinner for up to 1,000 people.