An innovative partnership involving three Nottinghamshire councils, the regional development agency and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground has secured a prestigious nomination in the local government Oscars.

Rushcliffe Borough Council, Nottingham City Council, Notts County Council, Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club and the East Midlands Development Agency (emda) have been shortlisted in the best Public-Private Partnership category of the Local Government Chronicle (LGC) 2009 awards following the completion of redevelopment work at Trent Bridge.

The partners co-funded the £8.2m project which increased capacity and saw the installation of a replay screen and permanent floodlights and the cricket club has committed to a series of community milestones to repay the support.

The deal is already reaping rewards as the venue has been chosen to co-host the ICC World Twenty20 in June 2009 along with Lord’s and The Oval.

“We’re thrilled that we’ve been shortlisted for this prestigious award which will help to ensure that Nottinghamshire continues to host international Test cricket and other major matches,” said Allen Graham, Chief Executive of Rushcliffe Borough Council.

“Notts Councils have a history of joining forces and this project brings great kudos to all organisations. The partners get a lot back from the deal in addition to the economic benefits of holding major matches at Trent Bridge.”

Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club Chief Executive Derek Brewer will co-present the submission to judges ahead of the ceremony which takes place in London in March.

“This project is a fantastic example of partnership working between public and private sector organisations for mutual benefit,” said Derek.

“We estimate that more than 500 million people will watch television coverage of the ICC World Twenty20 semi-final at Trent Bridge and without the redevelopment work, we would not even have been in a position to bid for the tournament.”