Lord’s gets MCC nod for two new stands

Article by Coliseum, published February 4, 2019

Image: MJR Group Ltd.

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has been granted permission to construct two new stands at Lord’s to replace the existing Compton and Edrich stands and increase the stadium’s capacity to 31,000, Reuters reported citing a statement from the club.

The new three-tier stands, to be built at the stadium’s Nursery End, will cost 50 million pounds ($64.37 million).

The redeveloped stands will improve sightlines for spectators and offer other amenities, such as integrated catering, wheelchair accessible spaces, and lift access to all levels, the MCC said.

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Construction will begin on August 24 after England’s second Ashes test against Australia and the new seats will be ready for use in 2020, the MCC said in a statement, adding that the fully fitted-out facilities would be completed by 2021.

“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,” MCC chief executive and secretary Guy Lavender said.

The MCC’s members will be asked to approve the plans at the club’s annual general meeting in May 2019.

The redevelopment of the stands at Lord’s forms the second phase of the ground’s updated Masterplan.

The designs by double Stirling Prize winners WilkinsonEyre, who are responsible for the current refurbishment of the Grade II-listed Battersea Power Station, 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 sightlines in the lower tiers.

The new designs include integrated catering and WC facilities, and vastly improved sightlines 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.

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