Wednesday 16 January 2019 09:12, UK
The home of English cricket, Lord's, will receive a new £50m redevelopment after planning permission was granted to construct two new three-tier stands.
The Compton and Edrich Stands will be replaced as part of the second phase of the ground's overall development plans, and will see the capacity increased to 31,000.
Marylebone Cricket Club (MCC) insist the development will remain "consistent with the overall architectural identity of Lord's and the 'village cricket green' ethos", while "improving the overall harmony of the north-east end of the ground".
Construction is due to commence after August 24, 2019, following England's Ashes Test match at Lord's and the one-off Test against Ireland.
MCC members will be asked to approve the plans at the club's AGM in May 2019.
The plans are intended 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.
"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," said MCC chief executive and secretary Guy Lavender.
"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."
