New stands open at home of cricket

Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) President and Sri Lankan cricket great, Kumar Sangakkara, officially opened the new £53M Compton and Edrich stands at Lord’s Cricket Ground before the recent second test match between England and India. 

The redeveloped Compton and Edrich stands, designed by WilkinsonEyre and constructed by ISG are said to have replaced old structures with significantly improved facilities that will future proof the Home of Cricket, while complementing the unique character of the ground.

The MCC said the spectacular and innovative stands accommodate 11,600 spectators and provide an experience to be enjoyed by a range of cricket supporters. Ticket holders will benefit from the numerous integrated catering and washroom facilities located in close proximity to seats at all levels, ensuring minimal time away from the cricket action, while providing excellent sightlines and unparalleled views of Lord’s.

A walkway bridge links the two stands, offering views of both the main ground and the iconic pavilion. Completing the new stands are two state-of-the-art canopy roofs that honour the adjacent RIBA Stirling prize-winning media centre.

Working on behalf of ISG, Severfield fabricated, supplied and erected 2,000t of steelwork for the project.

MCC Chief Executive and Secretary Guy Lavender, said: “It’s been excellent to see the progress of the redevelopment over the past two years. In what has been a challenging time for everybody, finally opening these stands fully to be enjoyed by cricket supporters for this Test match is a significant moment.  

“There has been an incredible amount of hard work to achieve this milestone and I would like to thank everybody who has been involved in this project, which has truly been a team effort.”