Over the past 150 years, the Surrey County Cricket Club’s portfolio of buildings has steadily adapted to meet the needs of the time.

With the development of the Bedser Stand in the 1980’s, the renovation of the Pavilion in the 1990’s, and constant improvements throughout the ground, the Club has always deservedly kept its status as one of the world’s best sporting arenas.

In 2004 and early 2005, a new structure took shape at the Vauxhall End of the Brit Oval as part of a 77- week, £25m development which would produce the iconic OCS Stand. The Brit Oval’s capacity was increased from 18,500 to 23,000, as the stand was built on time and to budget. In the foyer of the main entrance, a time capsule was buried that included Surrey memorabilia to be unearthed in 50 years’ time. To build the stand, over 550 tons of steel were used, while some 3,000 cubic metres of brick and concrete from the old terraces were crushed and retained on site for the foundations.

In the summer of 2005, the OCS Stand was opened to the public and oversaw an incredible summer of cricket, culminating in the final Ashes Test, when England regained the Ashes after 18 years. The stand has four floors of hospitality and conference space, including 23 suites with capacity from 24 to 700. It includes a community sports hall and Education room and the roof terrace gives spectacular views over London. The stand has 50 giant plasma screens as well as a 600 foot living wall of plants and vines covering the back of the structure. The OCS Stand has been recognized throughout sport and beyond as a worthy addition to a truly historic cricket stadium, winning a host of design, leisure, community, quality and horticulture awards.

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