Populous reveals plans to revamp "home of Indian cricket" in Kolkata

Architecture studio Populous has unveiled plans to expand and redevelop Eden Gardens, an iconic cricket venue in Kolkata, India.

The fan-first revamp of Eden Gardens, which is widely referred to as the "home of Indian cricket", will improve the venue's seating plan and hospitality options.

Populous said the project deliberately focuses on enhancing the existing building, rather than expanding it to ensure the design honours the iconic venue.

Render of Eden Gardens renovation by Populous — Populous is set to revamp the home of Indian cricket"

"Our primary design strategy was to turn these challenges into wins for the venue, players and fans," said associate principal Pranav Kashyap.

"The design not only unlocks premium hospitality experiences, but also maximizes the event day experience and opens up non-event day opportunities for the venue," he continued.

"This will provide an unparallelled experience for fans and players in India. Every strike of the bat will be heard loud and clear above the roar of the crowd."

Cricket pitch in Kolkata — The capacity of Eden Gardens will be increased by 17,000

Described by Populous as "cricket's answer to the Colosseum", Eden Gardens was built in 1864 and remains the third-largest cricket stadium in the world.

The studio will increase seating capacity from 68,000 to 85,000, with 30 per cent more corporate hospitality seats.

Eden Gardens hospitality spaces by Populous — Hospitality options at the stadium will also be improved

Corporate seats will be housed in boxes and lounges, and linked to enhanced corporate hospitality areas, the number of which will also be increased as part of the revamp.

Another element of the project will be the introduction of the Sky Deck – an observation area and lounge overlooking the adjacent park and river.

Meanwhile, at ground level, fan zones and lounges will be added that open up to the surrounding gardens.

A museum, a hall of fame and "digital engagement zones" will also be added to make Eden Gardens "future-ready for new experiences of the game", Populous said.

"The redevelopment project will create a truly 21st century venue at Eden Gardens, with safety, sustainability and the fan experience at the core to meet the requirements of modern-day sport," said Populous principal Siddharth Soni.

"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."

International firm Populous is currently working on sports stadiums around the world. Among them are the Kop Stand at Wrexham AFC's STōK Cae Ras stadium in Wales and the 115,000-seat Grand Stade Hassan II, which will be the world's largest football stadium.

Elsewhere, WilkinsonEyre is currently redeveloping the Tavern and Allen stands at the Lord's Cricket Ground in London.

The photography is courtesy of Populous.

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