For any young man making his way in the construction business, working on an interesting scheme during training is a big bonus. So imagine the insight young Daniel Dias, a student at Loughborough University, has gained from his two placements so far – at Manchester City Football Academy and Marylebone Cricket Club, owners of Lord’s Cricket Ground.


Daniel, 21, was noticed by his construction tutor at Ashton under Mersey Sixth Form College in Manchester, and recommended to the major construction firm, BAM. BAM placed him for six weeks at its £100 million football academy for City. Now, during his year out from a full-time design management degree at Loughborough, his industrial placement has brought him to the home of world cricket, where he’s working on BAM’s new Warner Stand for MCC.



“I’ve been thrown in at the deep end”, says Daniel, who returns to his course in September after England’s Third Test at Lord’s commences on Thursday 8th. “It’s been a fantastic help to see how design is used in practice.

“I’m a Man City fan more than a cricket fan, but it’s been a fascinating experience to take back with me to my final year of study. It feels great to contribute to making things happen here.”

Daniel has been managing quality issues, day-to-day procedures, and letting cranes in at early hours of the morning.

The £25 million new Stand is half way through its extensive programme. Seating will be ready for the Pakistan Test Match starting 14 July but it completes next year, and will improve the access and view for MCC Members while creating world-class back-of-house control and catering facilities. Designed by Populous, it forms part of the MCC’s £200 million masterplan for modernising the world’s premier cricket ground. By neat co-incidence, MCC is also one of Loughborough University’s key sponsors.

Daniel is definitely a talent for the future. We’re working on something very special here with great logistical challenges but the team at MCC have been very supportive of our presence.

Kevin Stoney

BAM’s Project Manager