MCC unveils masterplan to redevelop Lord’s cricket ground by 2032

The Marylebone Cricket Club has revealed its plans for expanding the Lord’s, unveiling designs for the new Compton and Edrich stands. This is part of MCC’s plans to redevelop the iconic cricket ground completely by 2032. According to the new design, the new three-tier nursery stand is expect to host around 11,500 spectators, thus increasing the capacity by 2500.

The complete upgradation of Lord’s in expected to cost around GBP 194m, with the money to be funded by the club on its own. The club members had voted in favour of the MCC’s updated Masterplan in September last year with 7,163 votes, or 90.5 per cent polled in favour of the decision.

However, the application for the planning is yet to be sought with a vote on the same expected in a special general meeting of the MCC next year. They also have to consider speaking to local residents who might be affected.

The Duke of Edinburgh had officially opened the GBP 25m Warner Stand last year.

The work, however, won’t begin until the end of the Ashes series next year, before which the ground will also play host to the 2019 World Cup final. The development is expected to ensure that there’s at least partial covering for the top tier along with a walkway between the two structures overlooking the Nursery stands.

Among other benefits for spectators, lift access at all levels will be provided besides providing wheelchair-accessible spaces. A total of three per cent will be reserved for wheelchair-assisted spectators.

“MCC is committed to ensuring Lord’s remains the best place in the world at which to watch and play cricket,” MCC chief executive and secretary, Guy Lavender, was quoted as saying by ESPNCricinfo.

“These new stands will transform the Nursery End, providing world-class facilities, opening up views both to the Pavilion and back towards the Nursery Ground, and adding another architectural enhancement to Lord’s. We are very aware of the responsibility we have to protect everything that makes Lord’s so special, and we are delighted with the positive feedback we’ve already received from our membership.”