Cricket 1
Projects

Lord’s Cricket Ground

Client
Marylebone Cricket Club
Location
London

Lord’s Cricket Ground is the Home of Cricket and an iconic venue famous the world over, but the Marylebone Cricket Club needed to invest in its floodlighting system to keep pace with a fast-changing game.

We were tasked with securing planning permission for a design that would be both sensitive to the ground’s listed structures and as unobtrusive as possible to the residents in the surrounding neighbourhood, both visually and in terms of light spill. 

The starting point? Crafting a compelling story, to explain how dynamic cricket is with innovation being driven by TV and sponsorship. We made the point that without floodlights, Lord’s would not be able to innovate and would be left behind.

We also undertook a review of floodlighting at other Test grounds and looked at whether fully retractable lights were possible. This research decisively concluded that the system developed by Abacus Lighting was world-leading and essential. 

Our needs-led approach culminated in the granting of permission for four retractable floodlights on a temporary basis. Once installed, we coordinated a complex process of testing, calibration and monitoring, working with residents to ensure light spill was minimised.  

We have continuously updated our evidence over the last decade, demonstrating the success of the technology and reducing restrictions, securing greater flexibility to support changes in domestic and international cricket.  

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Chris Pattison 1

Chris Pattison

Managing Partner, Planning

Chris has been delivering challenging client briefs across Oxford, the South East and Scotland for more than 20 years.

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Related services:

01

Planning

Develop winning planning strategies that deliver successful projects
02

Heritage

We demystify planning and heritage with an appreciation for your property’s value and history.
03

Masterplanning, Landscape & Assessment

Design that delivers on your priorities and contributes to green infrastructure.

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