The first sod will be turned today by Bradman Foundation chairman Michael Ball AM and Wingecarribee Mayor Duncan Gair, with construction work to begin in earnest on Monday.

The new Bowral attraction will become the world’s first fully interactive, permanent exhibition of cricket dedicated to the history of cricket.

It is expected to become a living centre focussed on cricket history, but also showcasing all forms of the modern international game through the latest interactive technology.

Mr Ball said it was a major milestone in the history of the Southern Highlands that Bradman Oval would become home to the world’s only International Cricket Hall of Fame.

“Bradman Oval has always been viewed as the spiritual home of cricket as it is the scene of Don Bradman’s early triumphs,” he said.

“Now the complex will be enlarged and enhanced by a splendid new building which will house the International Hall of Fame, an interactive museum based on the international game of cricket with a focus on the greats of the game from all over the world.”

Mr Ball said he believed the new facility would be a community asset, which would bring more tourists to the area.

“We are grateful to Wingecarribee Council and the local residents with whom we have worked in partnership to deliver this important new addition to our area,” he said.

Councillor Gair said the hall of fame was great news for the shire and a wonderful boost to the Highlands tourist industry.

“The existing Bradman Museum is a terrific tourist drawcard, but this new facility will make Bowral a must-visit destination, particularly for cricket enthusiasts from Australia and around the world,” he said.

The International Cricket Hall of Fame has been designed by Sydney-based architects Turner and Associates and built by Warilla-based construction company Camarda and Cantrill.

It is expected to be open to the public in late 2010.