The 14,500 seat stand at this world-renowned stadium was completed in 2005 for Surrey County Cricket Club by Taylor Woodrow under a JCT Major Project Construction Contract.
The £25m project involved the replacement of the existing stands with a new multi-level building with four seating tiers, three levels of hospitality lounges and an open promenade terrace.
The original concept was developed by HOK SVE, with The Miller Partnership completing the detailed design, interior and landscaping. The sweeping aerofoil roof provides a setting and focus for the cricket below, increasing the capacity of the Oval from 18,500 to 23,000.
Opened in 2005, the project is believed to be the first to use the JCT Major Project Construction Contract form. Suzanne Reeves, construction partner at Wedlake Bell which advised Surrey County Cricket Club on the legal work involved at The Oval, said: “This form of contract was instrumental in bringing the project in on time and budget.”
Work started in 2003 and was in two phases: the first involved the demolition of the existing stands, installing piles, sub-structure, erecting the steelwork frame and building the lower seating decks, all completed on time to allow the temporary handover for a limited season of international cricket matches during the summer of 2004. The second phase included the completion of the superstructure, M&E services, fitting out and external works, all ready for the summer of 2005 and the historic Ashes win over Australia.
Suzanne Reeves continued: “Since the Major Project Form is less detailed than other standard form contracts, it is more flexible. This worked well on the Oval redevelopment as it enabled the particular requirements and peculiarities of the project to be accommodated.”
Project team
Client: Surrey County Cricket Limited
Architect: HOK Sport / Miller Sport
PM: Drivers Jonas
Planning: Gleeds
Main Contractor: Taylor Woodrow
Structural: SKM Anthony Hunts