MCC turns down large-scale plans for Lord's

The MCC committee has voted against ambitious redevelopment plans for Lord's and instead gone in favour of a more toned-down stand-by-stand project to improve the ground.

The process to decide what work to undertake has been underway since 2008 at a cost of £3million, under the title "Vision for Lord's", and has included various large-scale ideas including building flats and making use of the disused tunnels which are found under the Nursery Ground.

However, it has now been decided to undertake a more controlled redevelopment which is likely to start at the Pavilion End with the rebuilding of the Tavern and Allen Stands.

The uncertain economic climate raised concerns over how much of a financial commitment MCC should make to the project. However, they secured the premier package of international matches from the ECB earlier this year which means a guaranteed number of prime fixtures.

"Since the process of looking at the long-term development began some years ago, the club has always prioritised the fundamental objective of maintaining and enhancing the reputation of Lord's as the pre-eminent cricket ground in the world and the global home of cricket," Oliver Stockton, the MCC chairman, said.

"The club also made it clear that the Vision for Lord's project was subject to both the financial viability of the proposed development as a whole and reaching an agreement with the ECB on the number of major matches to be played at Lord's in the coming years."

The MCC will now come up with revised development and business plans then start negotiations with Westminster Council and other bodies before the proposals are put to a vote of the MCC membership.