In 1985 work began to create a modern stand to a design by Michael Hopkins Architects in conjunction with Arup Engineering.  The plan called for the retention of the original brick base while replacing the old seating and the steel and asbestos roof that had been added in the 1930s.  According to an article on the "Engineering Timelines" website, Hopkins' design involved, " ... a new steel frame structure added above it, making a layered stand with public seating, debenture areas, hospitality boxes and associated facilities."  Hopkins Architects add that, "A new steel superstructure, supported on only six columns, to minimise disruption to views, are linked by a plate girder, from which lattice trusses cantilever out, like ribs from a spine, forming the skeleton of a  three-storey structure, which hovers over the mound below. ...

... Private boxes and dining rooms hang below the skeleton, while service rooms occupy the space between the ribs. A tier of raked seating backed by open-air restaurants and bars sits on top.  The six columns continue up to become masts supporting a flamboyant canopy of PVC-coated, polyester fabric. ...

... The whole structure is held back by tension members anchored to the ground and strapped to the brick piers below to stiffen them."  They pointed out that there was no need to worry about insulating and heating the stand because of the fact that cricket is only played in the summer.