wilkinson eyre's new stands provide unrivalled views of lord's ground

a pair of new stands for the historic stadium in the UK

wilkinson eyre completed the reconstruction of compton and edrich stands at lord’s cricket ground, as the previous ones provided limited sightlines in the lower tiers and left spectators unprotected in the upper layers. a subtle curvature canopy marks the new design creating a distinctive silhouette, which spans 24m in height in three-tiered stands. the retrofuturistic replacement takes shape as the tallest part at the venue, providing sweeping views towards the field.

the architects focused on improving accessibility and crowd circulation; the result is a curved open and spacious design, with clear open stairs, access walkways, and wayfinding. meanwhile, a bridge connects the two stands, overlooking the pitch and nursery ground.© jason hawkes

an enhanced spectator experience for cricket fans

‘our approach seeks to add to the distinctive architecture for which lord’s has become renowned, a place where historic and contemporary buildings of the highest quality constitute the global home of cricket’. said the architects.

the pair of new stands commissioned by lord’s owners, marylebone cricket club (MCC), provide an additional 2,600 seats, increasing the overall capacity to 30,500, while a big amount from the demolished seating has been reused to decrease waste. the structures own a canopy roof, wheelchair-accessible positions, facilities, and lift access at all levels. meanwhile, they include two pitch-facing restaurants, two hospitality suites, twelve additional food and drink outlets, and integrated washroom facilities.

standing alongside the media center

the new design harmoniously coexists with the historic and contemporary architectural character of the venue. the steel mainframe of the new structures consists of large columns and double-height colonnades, taking their cues from the rhythms of the original brick arches of the adjacent mound stand arcade. the canopy takes form as a combination of white-painted radiating steel ribs, a visible timber supporting shell on the underside, and white fabric skin while highlighting the east-facing facade adding a new identity from the north and east gate entrances.