LONDON: The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), the owners of Lord’s Cricket Ground, the Home of Cricket have revealed that relevant permissions have been obtained by the Westminster City Council for the construction of two new three-tier stands that are set to replace the existing Compton and Edrich stands.
The designs by double Stirling Prize winners WilkinsonEyre, will remain consistent with the overall architectural identity of Lord’s and the ‘village cricket green’ ethos, whilst working to improve the overall harmony of the north-east end of the ground. The plans include much needed upgraded amenities.
There are currently no facilities within the existing stands, with poor sight lines in the lower tiers. The new designs include integrated catering and WC facilities, and vastly improved sight lines for the seats in the lower levels which will substantially improve the spectator experience. The seating capacity of the new stands will be increased by around 2,500, accommodating 11,500 spectators overall, which will enable MCC to better satisfy the demand for tickets from the general public, and there will also be wheelchair-accessible spaces as well as lift access at all levels.
The construction work is set to commence after the completion of this summer’s major matches on 24 August following an outstanding summer of cricket featuring the ICC Cricket World Cup and the Ashes series.
The new stands’ seats are set to be ready for use during the 2020 season. Fully fitted-out facilities are scheduled to be completed for the summer of 2021. The stands are anticipated to cost in the region of £50 million ($64.3 million). MCC Members will be asked to approve the plans at the Club’s AGM in May 2019.
MCC CEO and secretary Guy Lavender said: “MCC is delighted to receive planning permission for the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands. We are excited to be commencing another transformational development at Lord’s, and by raising the capacity to 31,000 we will be able to welcome more spectators to enjoy matches at the largest cricket ground in the country, here at the Home of Cricket.
“The redevelopment will be an outstanding addition delivering world-class facilities, ensuring that Lord’s remains the finest ground in the world to watch, and play cricket.”
