The great and the good have all visited the Long Room

The project will include redecoration of the Long Room, construction of a new roof terrace and bringing the two turrets back into use.

Work is scheduled to begin in September and be completed in time for the start of 2005 season.

"The pavilion is one of the most celebrated, historic and beautiful buildings in world sport," said MCC deputy chief executive David Batts.

"We want to improve its facilities and restore it to pristine condition in time for the 2005 season, when Bangladesh will make their first appearance at Lord's and England will face Australia in another Ashes Test."

The pavilion, which has Grade II listed status, was built in 1889-90 and is the focal point of a ground acknowledged around the world as the home of cricket.

The project will take MCC' expenditure on ground improvement projects, since its bicentenary, well past the �50m mark.

"It reflects our determination to ensure that Lord's remains not only world-famous but truly world-class," Batts added.

Final approval for the project was given by MCC members at their meeting on Wednesday.