Oval redevelopment given the go-ahead

The proposed look for the new Oval © Surrey CCC

Click here to see larger picture of planned redevelopment
Click here to see view from pavilion after planned redevelopment

Surrey County Cricket Club have announced that they have now secured the necessary funding and other agreements and permissions to allow them to proceed with ambitious redevelopment plans at The Oval.

The £22million development will include a new stand at the Vauxhall end, together with new terracing to the east and west of the ground, which will increase capacity from 19,000 to 23,000. There are also plans to improve the media areas, and for conference and banqueting facilities. The Ken Barrington Cricket Centre will also be refurbished as part of the overall redevelopment.

"This is a gigantic milestone in the history of the club," said Paul Sheldon, Surrey's chief executive. "The new stand will be an iconic structure not only in world cricket but also in South London. These new facilities are essential if The Oval is to maintain its pre-eminence as one of the world's leading Test venues. The redevelopment will ensure that Surrey and England continue to play cricket at The Oval, and that it will be protected in the long term."

It is hoped that the work, which should take around two years to complete, will start next February. There will be no major disruption to matches at The Oval, as temporary stands will be erected for the big games.