Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) has stated the second phase of the transformation of Lord’s is progressing smoothly, one year into construction.
The owner of the iconic London ground has provided an update on the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich stands, a £52m (€57m/$67.5m) project that is the Club’s largest to date and an integral part of the overall masterplan to revitalise the stadium.
The current project was originally scheduled as a two-phased build programme, with plans to pause the construction and use the stands to seat spectators on major match days during the 2020 season.
However, ISG Construction have been able to continue working throughout the summer, with strict measures in place in line with COVID-19 Government regulations, whilst keeping to the build timeline.
The next phase is due to commence this month and includes the installation of a canopy roof, the internal fit-out of the integrated facilities, and an elevated walkway at the back of the stands which will improve crowd flow throughout the ground and give impressive views over the Nursery Ground.
The new stands, designed by WilkinsonEyre, are scheduled to be complete in May 2021, and will include two premium hospitality restaurants and 12 food and drink units. They will also offer improved accessibility, including accessible toilet and washroom facilities, with wheelchair enclosures and amenity seating on all levels.
When complete, the new stands will offer an additional 2,600 seats, increasing the ground’s capacity to 31,600.
MCC assistant secretary for estates and ground development, Robert Ebdon, said: “We recognised the world-class design of the new stands at the start of the project back in 2018. Seeing them now take shape in front of us at Lord’s reaffirms that when complete, the stands will be truly outstanding. They already complement the ground’s character and we are looking forward, when it is safe to do so, to welcome crowds back to Lord’s to experience these exceptional stands for themselves.”
The MCC last week announced that the second phase of the transformation of Lord’s will be able to proceed to completion in 2021 after a new membership model provided “sufficient financial security” for the project.
In June, the MCC revealed a lifetime membership plan as it provided an update on the costs of the stadium’s redevelopment and the impact COVID-19 has had on the project. MCC chief executive and secretary, Guy Lavender, wrote to members detailing that the Club had been “wholly successful” in its efforts.
Images: MCC
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