Following reports the club were seeking to sell their home at Nevil Road, where cricket has been played since 1889, they are "looking to enter into more active negotiations" over a new home in South Gloucestershire
Gloucestershire have confirmed their intention to leave their Bristol County Ground home for a new purpose-built ground to help futureproof the club.
Nevil Road has hosted cricket since 1889 but a preferred site close to the M4 near Bristol, South Gloucestershire, has been identified - though specific details have not been disclosed.
The club are "now looking to enter into more active negotiations around a potential move" following a period of consultation with the council.
Among the priorities for Gloucestershire is to build a ground that can continue to host international cricket - both England men and women staged games there last summer - and "white-ball franchise tournaments" - a notable declaration amid speculation The Hundred is set to expand to 10 sides, with one based in the south-west.
Nevil Road has hosted cricket since 1889 (Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Club chair David Jones said: "This is a significant turning point for cricket in Gloucestershire and Bristol as we look to secure the club's long-term future in an ever-changing sporting world.
"As well as delivering for our members the modern and low carbon facilities they deserve in order to showcase an ever-wider range of world-class events here in the South West, we are keen to continue our active role in the community to widen participation and inspire the next generation of sportswomen and men."
ECB chief executive Richard Gould welcomed the "exciting" plans, despite the limited detail around the prospective new site.
The statement confirming the news did not make a direct reference to previous reports that Gloucestershire were looking into selling their Nevil Road home, which could make a reported £40 million from residential development.
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