A SHORTLIST of five architectural firms has been drawn up to develop the £200million masterplan for Lord's Cricket Ground. The shortlist has been drawn up by the St John's Wood ground s resident club, Marylebone Cricket Club

Susanna Wilkey

A SHORTLIST of five architectural firms has been drawn up to develop the £200million masterplan for Lord's Cricket Ground.

The shortlist has been drawn up by the St John's Wood ground's resident club, Marylebone Cricket Club.

The masterplan aims to improve Lord's for future generations and launch it into the 21st century.

Ideas mooted include increased capacity to between 35,000 and 40,000, a cricket academy, retractable floodlights and a purpose-built museum to house the club's collection of cricket art and artefacts.

Tennis courts, a hotel, possible residential buildings and improvements to the amenities also form part of the plan.

The shortlist includes BDP, David Chipperfield Architects, Dixon Jones, Herzog and De Meuron Architekten, and Hopkins Architects. The firms must now respond to a comprehensive masterplan brief, which the club has created.

The architects' proposals must show where and how the needs of Lord's can be accommodated to enhance the venue and deliver improved facilities for members, fans and players.

They will also have to show how they would handle the sensitive location within the historic environment of St John's Wood and create outstanding and internationally recognised architecture.

A specially selected panel has been appointed to review the architects' plans, conduct interviews and make recommendations to the club.

It will be chaired by former chief executive of Jaguar and BAA, Sir John Egan.

The rest of the panel includes a range of respected figures with expertise in cricket, architecture and development.

It includes David Batts, Professor Ricky Burdett, Robert Griffiths QC, Blake Gorst, Charles Rifkind and Sir Nicholas Serota.

The Architecture Foundation, which has experience in helping clients to select the best architects for large projects, will be assisting the panel.

Club chief executive Keith Bradshaw said: "The selection of a shortlist is a key milestone as we seek to deliver significant and long-term improvements at Lord's.

"The appointment of an advisory panel of experts alongside the Architecture Foundation will ensure a professional and considered approach to the selection process."

Sir John added: "I am delighted to be involved in a project that will deliver major long-term improvements to Lord's.

"I am confident that our recommendation for the selected architect will deliver the very best for the sport's home."

The brief also includes feedback from club members about the ideas for the ground.

The ideas were presented to them as part of a consultation last autumn.

The winner is expected to be selected in early summer.

susanna.wilkey@hamhigh.co.uk