Campo Maximo, the cricket ground being developed by Australian entrepreneur Daniel Weston in Playa Flamenca, expects to host its first play in 2028 and become fully operational in 2029.
The Orihuela Costa project envisages an initial capacity of around 1,000 spectators, with the possibility of increasing it by adding temporary or semi-permanent stands around the ground.
Weston hopes the venue could eventually host an international Test match, a long-term ambition rather than a competition that has already been awarded to the new ground.
A synthetic outfield under testing
The facility is testing an artificial outfield designed to reproduce the playing qualities of natural grass without requiring fertiliser or the same level of maintenance as a grass surface.
According to the developer, the system consists of a short-pile surface without loose granular infill, installed over an elastic pad and a series of engineered drainage layers.
It is being tested with cricket shoes and bowling spikes to establish how the surface performs under the repeated impacts generated by fast bowlers during their delivery stride.
The design includes a central square with nine pitches; Weston favours a clay-based pitch, although he is still working through details of the project and its final design.
Solar power and water recovery
Floodlights are also planned to allow play during the day and at night, reflecting the entrepreneur’s intention to offer facilities that can be used throughout the year.
The plans include around 4,600 square metres of solar panels above the car park, charging batteries that would supply power to the venue and its floodlights.
Large underground tanks beneath the field are intended to collect and reuse water.
The proposal also includes a hotel beside a nearby golf course as part of the plans.
Weston, who grew up in Perth and is the driving force behind European Cricket Network, played T20 international cricket for Germany and presents Campo Maximo as a long-term ambition.
The possibility of hosting a Test would remain subject to international sporting requirements and the safety of the playing surface; the developer’s wish does not constitute approval of the venue for that level.
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