Surrey reveal refurbishment plans

Surrey have unveiled plans to refurbish and extend the historic members pavilion at the Kia Oval.

Work is expected to begin in autumn this year and come to completion the following spring.

The project will include a grand facade looking out over Kennington Park and Oval tube station, featuring classic Doric columns and terraces on multiple levels, as well as providing space for a new members' entrance and concierge lobby which will also act as the club's ticket office and front of house on non match-days.

Internally work will be carried out on the Long Room Bar and Pavilion Restaurant, while members are set to enjoy new padded seats.

The ground’s redevelopment project has stalled since the demolition of the old Surrey Tavern in 2008 due to planning issues and the effects of the economic recession, but has now been granted planning permission; Surrey are finalising design and cost elements so work can get under way at the end of the domestic season.

The Kia Oval's famous pavilion is set for a period of extensive redevelopment work when the current season comes to an end

Surrey chairman Richard Thompson said: "The club is delighted to be able to start work on this project, which will provide outstanding new facilities to rival any sporting members club in the world.

"It will also provide us with the opportunity to properly showcase the deep history of the Kia Oval which covers cricket, rugby and football. Indeed the magnificent decoration of the facade includes stone urns reminding us that is was here that the Ashes were created in 1882, as well as column caps shaped into the Princes of Wales' Plume of Feathers.

"We are pleased that it will provide such a significant visual improvement to this part of London, as we have been hidden behind temporary hoardings for the past six years. We believe it will provide a catalyst for further development projects in the area."

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