Planning permission was last night secured for phase one of the £200m redevelopment of Lord’s cricket ground, NW8.
Westminster city council has approved proposals by the Marylebone Cricket Club to demolish and redevelop the Warner stand at the St John’s Wood site.
Consent is for 2,992 seats, a new 135-seat restaurant, and new facilities for match officials.
MCC chief executive and secretary Derek Brewer said: “MCC wants Lord’s to be the world’s finest cricket ground, and this new stand combines the best in architecture with world-class facilities to help achieve that.”
The Populous-designed plans are part of a wider £200m masterplan for the world-famous cricket and events venue, which include a new entrance at Grove End Road, an increase in capacity by 2,700 to 32,000 seats, and new commercial buildings.
Populous has been in other sporting venue projects, including the London 2012 Olympic stadium, and the new roof on Wimbledon’s Centre Court.
A £21m budget for the Warner stand has been fixed, which will be funded by the MCC.
DP9 advised on planning.
The masterplan replaces initial plans drawn up by Mike Hussey’s Almacantar .
joanna.bourke@estatesgazette.com
