Surrey have confirmed that funding is now in place for their proposed development of the Vauxhall End at The Oval to get underway this winter.

The £22 million project will see a completely new look for the Vauxhall End, with additional new terracing on both the east and west sides of the ground which will increase capacity from its present 18,500 to 23,000. The Ken Barrington Cricket Centre will also be refurbished.

"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."

Construction work should start in February, with the project completed in time for the 2005 season. Temporary stands will be in place at The Oval in the meantime.

19 Nov, 2003