Populous has unveiled proposals to expand the historic Eden Gardens cricket ground in Kolkata, India.
The London-based practice is working on upgrades to the world’s third largest cricket stadium which will boost its capacity from 68,000 to 85,000 and provide a greater range of seating options.
The scheme will also add a museum and 41,000sq ft of new hospitality space, including a new Sky Deck and Sky Lounge offering views of the nearby park and river.
Built in 1864, Eden Gardens is often described as the home of Indian cricket and one of the country’s most culturally important venues.
Dating back to the British Raj, it was the first stadium in India purposely built for cricket, and has since hosted a total of 15 World Cup matches.
Populous principal and architect Siddharth Soni said a new chapter in the stadium’s history was now being drawn that will “create a truly 21st century venue”.
“For it to continue its legacy and look to the future, particularly for the evolving formats of cricket, we are not just restoring Eden Gardens; we are enhancing an icon,” Soni said.
President of the Cricket Association of Bengal and former Indian cricket captain Sourav Ganguly added: “Our vision is to make Eden Gardens one of the finest cricketing venues in the world, not just in capacity but in quality, comfort and experience.
“I’ve grown up playing here, feeling the roar of this crowd. To now be part of its transformation is deeply special – it’s about giving back to a place that has given me everything.”
The upgrades will include 44,000 sq ft of non-match day facilities, six different seating categories for fans to choose from and 30% more corporate hospitality seats.
It will also add dedicated Indian Premier League fan zones and lounges, and a member’s club which opens the venue into the surrounding gardens.