Lord's Media Centre Gains Big Majority From MCC (17 Dec 1996)

17 December 1996

Lord`s media centre gains big majority from MCC

By Barrie Fairall

IN THE end, a comprehensive 84.3 per cent of the MCC membership gave the go-ahead last night for the new space-age media centre to be constructed at the Nursery End at Lord`s. Of the 8,281 votes, 6,993 were in favour, with 1,288 traditionalists disapproving of the plan.

The centre will be sponsored by NatWest, who will underwrite the #3.5 million scheme to the tune of #2.6 million. It will be the world`s first all aluminium building and is likely to be erected in a shipyard, depending on the tenders received.

The gherkin-shaped structure will house television, radio and newspaper media under one roof. At present they operate in separate sites around the headquarters of cricket.

Chris Rea, MCC`s PR spokesman, said: "It was a very well balanced meeting. Questions were asked about the design, but these were answered to most people`s satisfaction."

The MCC`s secretary, Roger Knight, said: "This is most encouraging. Anyone passing on a double decker bus past the Nursery End will see the back of the centre but will be able to see either side of the pavilion."

The new centre will not stand idle during the winter months, or when the big matches are not being played. It will be used as a training centre to familiarise sports men and women - not only cricketers - with the demands of dealing with media and television.

Lord`s is undergoing a major building programme, outside the media project. The Grandstand has been demolished, to be replaced by a new stand, which will increase the capacity of the ground by 2,000 - and give 2,000 more spectators an unrestricted view of the cricket.

Elsewhere, Clive Lloyd, team manager of the West Indies, admitted yesterday in Adelaide that because of the side`s deteriorating fortunes the time may have come for a change in the old order.

Heavily criticised for poor performances on tour in Australia in Tests and one-day matches, Lloyd said he would also like a greater say in team affairs.

After two Test defeats and two losses in one-day internationals to Australia, Lloyd said: "We`re rebuilding, there`s no doubt about that. Our bowlers are not bowling as penetratingly as we`re accustomed to and our batting is still a bit below par.

"If it means replacing some of those players, then fine, that`s what we`ll have to do because people expect West Indies cricket to be at the top of the ladder. I feel for the people who are supporting us. It`s disappointing, but it`s up to the players and the people who you choose in the future - I`m not one of the selectors."

Lloyd, however, then added: "Now that I have a better look at the players, I probably hope my experience will be sought."

Source :: Electronic Telegraph (https://www.telegraph.co.uk)