Cranes install one of the light towers at WestpacTrust Park Photograph © NDCA

Cranes hoist a section of a new light tower at WestpacTrust Park Photograph © NDCA

Hamilton's long-awaited lights at WestpacTrust Park are about to become a reality.

The first of the new lights which will allow day/night international cricket to be played in Hamilton was expected to be in place late this afternoon.

Town planning consent for the move finally allowed the installation of the lights at a cost in excess of $1 million.

Four light standards 50m in height are being placed at the ground. Two of the lights will produce 68 lumieres while the other two will produce 79 and 81 respectively.

The lights will be first used on November 8 when trans-Tasman touch rugby internationals will be played at the ground.

Permission has been granted for the lights to be used on 29 days each year.

Hamilton is to stage a day/night game between Northern Districts and England at the start of the England tour while one of its State Shield domestic one-day matches will also be under lights.

Northern Districts chief executive John Turkington said today that WestpacTrust Park had recovered well from its use as Waikato's main rugby venue this year while renovations were done to the traditional rugby ground in the city at Rugby Park.

"The pitch has been renovated and we have levelled the outfield," he said.

He saw no problems for the ground being ready for New Zealand's first home Test against Bangladesh in Hamilton, starting on December 18.

© CricInfo