The new Warner Stand forms the first phase of the ground’s £200m 14-year investment plan. The scheme will also see the redevelopment of the Allen, Tavern, Compton and Edrich stands.
BAM Construction has been selected to build the £21m Warner stand, designed by Olympic Stadium architect Populous; the scheme will secure employment for dozens of engineers.
The new stand will have two tiers of seating built on a steeper gradient than the existing one. It will include 2,900 seats with improved views of the ground as well as a restaurant, three bars and facilities for match officials.
The construction of the stand is scheduled to begin at the end of 2015, so that the ground is still fully operational during the next season of Australia Test.
The construction will take place in two phases; the first phase will see the delivery of the two tiers of seating and match control facilities with completion for the Pakistan Test Match in 2016.
During the second phase beginning in the off-season of 2016/17, the roof, catering facilities and services will be built with expected completion in time for the first major match of the 2017 season.
The stand will include a series of green features such as ground source heat pumps and photovoltaic panels. In addition, a semi-translucent fabric roof, supported by a timber structure, will be used for the new stand.
The semi-translucent material will help to reduce shadowing from the stand on to the playing area, while optimizing the degree of shading and natural light in the spectator area.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, said: “There is no better way to spend a warm summer’s afternoon than listening to the glorious sound of leather on willow at the home of cricket, Lords.
“The new Warner Stand combines the very best of twenty-first century architecture with state-of-the-art facilities and will enhance the overall visitor experience by improving sight-lines and accessibility, with a new restaurant overlooking the field of play.
“The stand will enrich the unique character of Lords and ensure that it remains the most idyllic cricket venue in the world for many years to come.”
Photo Source: Planning Resource
