A new purpose-built baseball facility is being lined up for Manchester, and could be complete before the end of next year according to the sport’s governing body.

Around 18 months ago, BaseballSoftball UK revealed its plan to build the venue in the north-west city, and following talks with Manchester City Council the development is on track.

The local authority is currently undertaking a review of its playing pitch strategy based on perceived demand for outdoor playing facilities.

In an interview with Sports Management earlier this year, BaseballSoftball UK chief executive Jenny Fromer said that growing the sport’s presence in the north was one of the organisation’s key strategic priorities.

BaseballSoftball UK’s north-west development manager Luis Arrevillagas agreed.

“Understandably, good playing land in Manchester is sought by many sports,” he said. “I have always believed that when we build a facility in the north, it has to be in the right location in order to get a return on investment and to really have an effect on the growth of the sports.”

The final piece of the puzzle is to secure funding, with bids submitted to Sport England and the Baseball Tomorrow Fund. Finance will also be sought from other sources, as well as community fundraising.

If the funding package comes together quickly work on the project could begin by April or May next year.