The £150m vision that could transform Lord’s …and resurrect long-running row over the cricket ground’s future
The long-running row over the future of Lord’s is set to flare up again over a £150million development plan.
Some 18,000 full members of the MCC will be canvassed on two alternative visions for the venue.
Under the larger-scale scheme, £135m will be released from the sale of luxury flats for a three-year overhaul starting after the 2019 World Cup. It would replace the ageing Tavern and Allen stands and extend the Compton and Edrich stands.
A two-storey events and exhibition space at the Nursery End would be built to allow the club to reduce their dependence on matchday income.
The scheme would be funded by the sale of 97 apartments in two new 10‑storey blocks at the Nursery End, which could raise up to £750m. The land being developed — owned by property company Rifkind Levy — includes two disused railway tunnels. Under the proposal, drawn up by architect David Morley these would be used for underground parking and an enlarged broadcast compound.
There would be an “iconic” entrance to the events space in Wellington Road to replace the long featureless brick “prison wall” that runs along the east side of the ground. A further £15m would be paid to the MCC as compensation for disruption during the work.
The second option — based on the MCC’s current “Masterplan” — would be less ambitious but still aim to build new stands and would be paid by funds generated by the club.
A consultation document is being posted to members today with a formal vote following in September.
