The Mumbai Cricket Association has already begun work on the re-construction, with actual demolition slated to begin next month.

The Wankhede Stadium, located in South Mumbai near Churchgate station, was built in 1975. BCCI president Sharad Pawar had said that it would be difficult for the stadium in its existing condition to host any World Cup matches. The revamp is now being designed and supervised jointly by architects Shashi Prabhu and P K Das, who submitted the proposal, drawings and the blueprint to the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee on Thursday.

The committee’s permission is required since the stadium falls in the Marine Drive heritage precinct. The committee members will visit the stadium on Monday.

“There should be no problems in giving permissions for re-construction as it is located on the periphery of the railway line and will not have any visible impact on the precinct,” an MHCC member said, not willing to be named.

According to the architects, the existing seating capacity of the stadium is around 34,000. It has two levels, raising to the height of 18 metres. “The new stadium will have three tiers and the seating capacity will be increased by 10,000, by adding an extra stand on the north (7,000) and south (3,000) sides. The east and west side will be maintained as they are, with two stands,” said an architect.

For better viewing, the stadium will have an obstruction-free roof, constructed without columns. “Currently, there are columns which support the roof. This obstructs the viewing for the spectators,” the architect said.

Players will also have additional area for a dressing room and gymnasium. Safety measures for entry and exit will also be at par with international stadiums.

Spectators too also look forward to better arrangements: Broken benches and cement slabs will be replaced with improved seating arrangements in the form of folding bucket seats, each duly numbered. Seating for VIP and corporate boxes will also be planned. There will be multiple foyer entry and exit points. The three levels will also have food counters.