One of the first things Ashes Test match visitors to The Kia Oval will notice this week is how quickly a new 95-bed hotel is being built opposite the Hobbs Gates. And the new Oval Travelodge is set to be a huge benefit both to Surrey cricket at all levels and to south London’s local community in social, commercial and sustainable ways.
Steve Elworthy, Surrey’s chief executive, says work on the build at the now club-owned former Ovalhouse Theatre site, which relocated to Brixton in 2020, is progressing well.
“The new hotel is on schedule to open early next year and is an important commercial and social development in the area surrounding the Kia Oval,” he said. “We are delighted that it will lead to creation of new jobs in the community and boost local businesses in the region.
“This centrally-located hotel will function as a great base for businesses, and will further enhance our ability to host multi-day business events and conferences. Circling it back to cricket, the wider benefit of the club will seamlessly flow into the development of the sport at Surrey.
“As well as the home of Surrey County Cricket Club, the Kia Oval is a community hub and a business centre and this new hotel will be a valuable addition to all aspects of our venue. The new Travelodge’s high-quality stays will be not only be a great attraction for cricket fans, but also an important base for tourists and businesses travelling to London.
“We always want to be a good neighbour and give back to the community we exist in, and we are pleased that the hotel will create job opportunities in the region as well as bolster local shops, restaurants and businesses.”In addition to being a significant boost to Surrey’s own commercial ventures the new hotel’s sustainability features are well-aligned with the club’s Net Zero Pledge and the commitment the cricket club has already made towards its own sustainability.
Elworthy added: “For instance, the carpets that will be used in the hotel are made from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles, and recycling is something we focus heavily on during matchdays and regular work days at the Kia Oval.
“Among other things, we use reusable, recyclable glasses and bottles, we serve filtered water at our events, we have installed water fountains across the venue, we process food waste to be disposed of consciously, and we have installed a comprehensive compostable waste stream that makes waste disposal more efficient.
“Sustainable energy consumption is also another area where the club’s ideas match Travelodge’s approach. The new hotel will include features such as low energy lighting with motion sensing controls to use electricity judiciously. At the Kia Oval we generate all our electricity from renewable sources.
“At Surrey we remain proud of our EcoSmart Gold Status, but we are constantly measuring and monitoring our carbon footprint as well as seeking innovative ways to reduce it. It is important for us to work with like-minded partners who understand the significance of sustainability.”
The hotel project has been developed and funded by Surrey County Cricket Club, with building work by Bennett Construction. Its design will incorporate air source heat pumps, roof-mounted PV’s, an EV car charger and green roofs.
