London’s Oval is set to become the largest cricket ground in the UK as a result of an ambitious redevelopment plan.

Surrey County Cricket Club, the occupier of the venue, is submitting plans that would see the ground’s capacity increase to 40,000 – larger than the 30,000-seat Lord’s Cricket Ground.

The club already has planning permission for a large development next to the Pavilion, named 1 Oval Square, which will carry some of the extra capacity and additional facilities.

Work could begin at the end of 2019 and be ready in time for the 2023 Ashes Series against Australia.

Adam Architecture is the design studio behind the plans, and has released an image of their masterplan for the proejct.

Richard Gould, Surrey CCC chief executive, said the plans for the development were driven by the popularity of T20 cricket and an increase in non-matchday business.

“Our business has taken off over the last five years and our reserves have quadrupled in size along with significantly higher profits,” he added.

Surrey CCC chair Richard Thompson added: “We have already received a positive response from early discussions with the ECB and our landlord, the Duchy of Cornwall. We will now work up more detailed proposals and financial models to share with our wider group of stakeholders.”

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