LONDON: The latest phase of the ‘Masterplan’ redevelopment of Lord’s was unveiled on Friday with a scheme to replace the “tired” Allen and Tavern stands in the south-west corner of the self-styled ‘home of cricket’.

Marylebone Cricket Club, owners of the celebrated ground in north-west London, intend to build a single new structure in their place with more than 5,500 seats — taking the overall capacity to nearly 30,000.

Planning permission and the approval of the MCC’s membership are still required, but if officials get the go-ahead the scheme will also see the building of a new Tavern pub, enlarged dressing rooms in the pavilion and a “more pedestrian-friendly entrance to the ground”, via the Grace Gates.

MCC chief executive Derek Brewer said: “The south-western project will ensure facilities for players, match officials, supporters and MCC members are of the highest possible standard by modernising areas of the ground that have become tired.”

Published in Dawn, April 18th, 2015

On a mobile phone? Get the Dawn Mobile App: Apple Store | Google Play