Lord’s to increase seating capacity at restoration cost of £61.8m to MCC

The Home of Cricket, Lord's Cricket Ground in London, is gearing up for another major redevelopment project. A total of 149 Test matches, 85 ODIs, and 12 T20Is have been played at Lord's and is among the most prestigious venues of the game. The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC), owners of the historic venue, has approved plans for a £61.8 million revamp of the Tavern and Allen stands at the venue.

This latest redevelopment comes hot on the heels of the £53 million renovation of the Compton and Edrich stands that was completed in 2021. That project increased Lord's capacity to 31,000 and surrounded the ground's unique press box with modern facilities. The MCC is continuing its drive to update the historic ground and improve the visitors' experience.

The announced construction is scheduled to commence in September, and The project involves increasing the current seating capacity of 37,000 by 1,000 seats through the addition of an extra tier to both the Tavern and Allen stands.

The approved plans will see it completely demolished and rebuilt with an additional tier, increasing capacity. The Tavern Stand will also gain a fourth level. In total, 1,100 new seats will be added once construction is completed in 2027.

Also read: King Charles III becomes patron of MCC, Lords Ground's renovation approved

Renovation to strengthen MCC's already impressive sustainability credentials: Robert Ebdon

John Graham Construction Ltd has been chosen as the preferred contractor for the main construction work, with architectural contributions from WilkinsonEyre. The project is expected to be completed by 2027.

Robert Ebdon, the MCC Estates Director, stated that the stand redevelopment will complete the Club's program of modernizing facilities at Lord's.

“The redevelopment of the Tavern and Allen stands will complete our stand development program, in which we have modernized facilities at Lord’s to continue to ensure the Ground remains a world-class venue for cricket," Ebdon said.

“The stands will also strengthen the Club’s already-impressive sustainability credentials, and we are looking forward to the construction phase and working closely with our consultants Buro Happold, Gardiner & Theobold, and Arcadis,” he further added.

Beyond more seats, the £61.8 million investment will provide improved catering, hospitality areas, and better accessibility provisions. The MCC states the redevelopment is vital for maintaining Lord's status as a world-class venue capable of hosting major matches and events.

Also Read: Mark Nicholas recommended to become next MCC chair

MCC members voted through the plans last week, allowing work to commence at the end of the 2024 English season this September. Careful phasing of the multi-year construction schedule will ensure cricket can continue during redevelopment.