Oval redevelopment will swell capacity to 28,000
SURREY have received planning permission to go ahead with the redevelopment of the Lock-Laker Stand and Pavilion End of the Kia Oval.
The work, which starts next October, will take the capacity of the ground to 28,000 and is due to be completed by 2021. Next summer is a busy one for The Oval, with five Cricket World Cup matches and an Ashes Test.
The three-tier stand, which will connect to the pavilion, was designed by Rolfe Judd, architects based on neighbouring Claylands Road. Behind the stand will be a development called One Oval Square, which will house hospitality space and be used for events. There are plans to further develop that end, with the Bedser Stand set to be redeveloped.
The news caps a strong few weeks commercially for Surrey. Their first County Championship title in 16 years has seen membership for 2019 already swell to 11,000, while they had 42,000 entrants for the public ballot for Ashes tickets.
Surrey CEO Richard Gould said: “It is fantastic news and will further improve people’s experience when they watch cricket here.”