New Mound Stand roof: on time, below budget

Date released: 23 February 2006

The latest ground improvement project at Lord's - the installation of a new roof over the Mound Stand - has just been completed, below budget and ahead of schedule.

The five-month, £500,000-plus project was undertaken for MCC by a Bristol-based firm, Base Structures Ltd.

The new roof shares the acclaimed 'tented' look of its predecessor which, after eighteen years, had reached the end of its scheduled lifespan. Thanks to the use of more advanced materials, the new surface is expected to last appreciably longer.

Commenting on the completion of the work, MCC's Deputy Chief Executive David Batts (right), who oversaw the project, said: "Thanks to its 'tented' roof, the Mound Stand has long been regarded as one of the iconic buildings at Lord's. We're delighted that, once again, it's looking back to its best. I am equally pleased that, in partnership with our contractors, we have delivered this important project ahead of schedule - and below budget as well."

He continued: "Now we're planning to go even further, so that every part of the Mound Stand looks as good as its new roof. Next winter, we intend to spend a similar sum on another refurbishment project - which will involve improving the rest of the building from top to bottom, inside and out. It's all part of MCC's policy of continuous investment in Lord's, to ensure that the Ground remains not only world-famous but truly world-class."

The renewal of the Mound Stand roof is the latest in a series of ground improvements at Lord's to have been completed on time and below budget. Others have included the £1 million-plus project to re-lay the outfield (in 2002-03) and the £8 million refurbishment of the Pavilion (in 2004-05).