Lords Cricket Ground changing room replacement locker doors and locks

Marylebone Cricket Club asked Total Locker Service to update the changing-room lockers at Lord’s Cricket Ground after the existing coin-return locks no longer matched the way the lockers needed to be used.

The project became more than a simple lock replacement. The existing locker carcasses were retained, new compact-grade laminate doors were supplied, Digilock electronic combination locks were fitted, and the completed installation was programmed and handed over for shared use.

The MCC locker problem

The existing lockers used coin-return locks, but Marylebone Cricket Club wanted a locking system that better suited current changing-room use.

Total Locker Service reviewed a range of combination-lock options and discussed the operational requirements with the club before recommending a solution.

• the existing locker bodies were still suitable for continued use;
• the coin-return locks no longer suited the operating requirement;
• shared-use access needed to be simpler for users;
• management still required an override method;
• the locker doors also needed replacing as part of the upgrade.

Selecting the locking system

Marylebone Cricket Club was offered a choice of digital and mechanical combination locks. After reviewing the available options, the club selected a Digilock electronic combination lock because its shared-use operation, appearance and management override arrangement suited the project.

The important point in this case study is the operating model rather than the wider Digilock product range. The selected lock needed to support temporary shared use while still allowing authorised staff to regain access when necessary.

For a broader comparison of key, combination, RFID and other access methods, use our Locker Access Control Systems UK guide.

Replacing the locker doors

The project also involved replacing the existing locker doors while retaining the main locker carcasses.

New compact-grade laminate doors were manufactured and fitted to the existing lockers. This allowed the club to refresh the appearance and locking arrangement without replacing the complete locker installation.

Where the original locker frame remains serviceable, replacing doors and locks can sometimes provide a more practical solution than removing the entire locker bank.

Retrofitting Digilock locks to existing lockers

The new locks had to be matched to the replacement doors and installed as part of a coordinated retrofit rather than treated as a simple like-for-like lock swap.

1. Existing installation reviewed. The locker bodies, door arrangement and operating requirement were assessed.
2. Lock options compared. Mechanical and electronic combination locks were considered.
3. New laminate doors produced. Replacement doors were prepared for the existing locker carcasses.
4. Digilock units installed. The selected locks were fitted to the new doors.
5. Door numbers and user information added. The completed lockers were prepared for day-to-day operation.
6. Locks programmed and tested. Management access and normal user operation were checked before handover.

For general retrofit compatibility, see our Retrofit Locker Locks UK guide and Locker Lock Replacement Guide UK.

Shared use and management override

The new arrangement was designed around shared changing-room use rather than permanent key allocation. Users could operate a locker without carrying a dedicated locker key, while authorised staff retained a controlled override method.

This type of arrangement can reduce problems caused by lost keys and make temporary locker use easier to manage, provided the site also has clear rules for resetting, overriding and returning lockers to service.

Installation and handover at Lord’s

Total Locker Service installed the replacement doors and locks, completed the programming and tested the finished lockers before handover.

The handover also included staff instruction so the club understood how to operate the management functions and deal with lockers that needed authorised access.

Why the retrofit approach worked

Project issue	Solution
Coin-return locks no longer suited the changing-room requirement	Moved to electronic combination locks
Existing locker bodies were still serviceable	Retained the carcasses rather than replacing the whole installation
Locker doors needed renewal	Manufactured and fitted new compact-grade laminate doors
Users needed keyless temporary access	Used shared-use electronic combination locks
Management needed controlled override access	Configured authorised management access
Staff needed to understand the new system	Completed programming, testing and handover training

When door and lock conversion makes sense

A project like this can make sense where the locker carcasses remain structurally sound but the doors, locks or operating method no longer meet the site’s needs.

• existing locker bodies are still serviceable;
• old locks are obsolete or unsuitable;
• new access control is required;
• door appearance or material needs updating;
• full locker replacement would add unnecessary cost or disruption.

Not every installation is suitable for conversion. Door condition, frame condition, lock compatibility, fixing positions and the cost of modification should all be checked before deciding whether to retrofit or replace.

Related locker conversion guides

• Retrofit Locker Locks UK – changing existing lockers to another lock format.
• Locker Lock Replacement Guide UK – physical compatibility and replacement checks.
• Locker Access Control Systems UK – comparing key, PIN, RFID, coin and other access methods.
• Digilock Locker Locks – current commercial Digilock range.
• Locker Parts & Servicing Guide – faults, repairs and replacement components.

Lord’s Cricket Ground Locker Conversion FAQs

Why did Marylebone Cricket Club replace the locker locks?

The existing coin-return locks no longer matched the changing-room operating requirement, so MCC reviewed alternative combination-lock options.

Why were the locker bodies retained?

The existing locker carcasses were still serviceable, so the project focused on replacing the doors and locks rather than replacing the complete locker installation.

What type of locks were fitted at Lord’s Cricket Ground?

Marylebone Cricket Club selected Digilock electronic combination locks for the changing-room retrofit after reviewing a range of lock options.

Were the locker doors replaced as well?

Yes. New compact-grade laminate doors were supplied and fitted to the existing locker carcasses as part of the conversion.

Can existing lockers be upgraded instead of replaced?

Sometimes. Where the main locker structure is still sound, replacing doors and locks can be a practical alternative to full replacement, subject to compatibility and cost checks.

Summary: Lord’s Cricket Ground locker lock and door conversion

The Lord’s Cricket Ground project shows how an existing locker installation can be modernised without replacing the main locker carcasses.

Marylebone Cricket Club moved away from coin-return locks, selected Digilock electronic combination locks, replaced the compact-grade laminate doors and retained the underlying locker bodies. The completed system was programmed, tested and handed over for shared changing-room use with controlled management access.