MCC considering Lord's redevelopment

30/11/2011

The Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) is considering plans to redevelop Lord's Cricket ground, with a vote due today (November 30th).

A range of proposals have been drawn up, which could mean those enjoying corporate hospitality at the home of cricket see a very different looking arena in years to come.

One plan would see four large diamond-shaped towers with luxury flats being situated at one end of the ground, but of greater interest to the public may be an increase in capacity at the venue, which is already the largest in England with a capacity of 28,000.

That, however, is dwarfed by many overseas venues, with the Melbourne Cricket Ground in Australia capable of holding nearly 100,000 spectators.

Other English grounds to have raised their capacity with large new stands in recent years include the Kia Oval and Edgbaston, with Old Trafford currently undergoing work.

As well as being recognised as the most glamorous venue in the sport, Lord's is also unique in being the only ground with a slope across the ground, with one side being nine feet higher than the other.

Slopes at other venues - such as Headingley - are from end to end.

By Ted Walker