The redevelopment of Lord’s will start later this year.

The Marylebone Cricket Club, who own Lord’s, has been granted planning permission by Westminster Council to replace the Compton and Edrich Stands.

The new three-tier stands will increase the capacity of the venue by 2,500.

The project, which will increase the ground’s capacity to 31,000, will cost approximately £50-million.

Construction at the Nursery End will start in late August, after the Ashes Test and Middlesex’s Vitality Blast fixture with Hampshire.

‘MCC is delighted to receive planning permission for the redevelopment of the Compton and Edrich Stands,’ said chief executive officer Guy Lavender.

‘We are excited to be commencing another transformational development at Lord’s, and by raising the capacity to 31,000, we will be able to welcome more spectators to enjoy matches at the largest cricket ground in the country, here at the home of cricket.

‘The redevelopment will be an outstanding addition, delivering world-class facilities, ensuring that Lord’s remains the finest ground in the world to watch, and play, cricket.

‘The rapid-build design sequence has been developed to minimise interruption to match fixtures, with the new stands’ seats due to be ready for use during the 2020 season. Fully fitted-out facilities are scheduled to be completed for the summer of 2021.

‘The plans include much-needed upgraded amenities. There are currently no facilities within the existing stands, with poor sightlines in the lower tiers.’

Photo: Gallo