LONDON, July 18: While Surrey’s on-pitch shows may not be much to write home about right now, off the field things are looking bright. The club has finalised proposals for a £35million investment at The Oval, which they hope to have approved by the autumn.

A planning application has been submitted to Lambeth Council to further improve the ground’s Test facilities and boost the regeneration of the Lambeth area.

The club, in partnership with the Arora International Hotels, propose building a new stand and improved spectator facilities along with a hotel at the Pavilion End of The Oval, which is currently home to the Lock, Laker and Peter May stands.

The proposals will see the demolition of the Surrey Tavern, and the introduction of a new piazza.

The idea, according to Surrey, is “to create a stunning entrance and provide a much-improved first impression of the ground for visitors arriving at Oval tube station.”

The proposed new stand will include 2000 new seats to increase capacity at the ground to 25,000 from 23,000, and a variety of improved facilities, reducing the need for temporary buildings and extra deliveries on big match days. —Cricinfo