On Sunday 8th September, during the final test match between England and Sri Lanka at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground, Berkeley (Central London) Ltd presented Surrey County Cricket Club with a unique gift; Managing Director Tom Pocock handed over a cast iron phoenix emblem, over 100 years old and an original feature of one of the old gasholders at the Oval, to Steve Elworthy, Chief Executive of Surrey County Cricket Club. The presentation was made to thank the club for their support of Berkeley’s landmark regeneration project neighbouring the cricket ground, and mark the start of the multi-million pound refurbishment of the iconic Oval gasholder which has been such a prominent backdrop to the Kia Oval for so many years.
This world-famous gasholder at the heart of Berkeley’s Oval Village development has formed the backdrop to over 3,000 cricket matches at the Kia Oval Cricket Ground for the past 145 years. This Grade II listed ironwork stands over 130 feet tall and has been out of use since 2014.
The cast-iron phoenix emblem is an original feature of one of the gasholders that previously occupied this site, fitted by the Phoenix Gas Light and Coke Company during their erection in the mid-1800s. The gasholder itself is being meticulously converted to create a unique collection of 200 modern homes with a historic twist. Many of the homes inside the gasholder building will benefit from direct views into the cricket ground, with a communal roof terrace offering all residents the opportunity to watch cricket whenever they wish.
Paul Vallone, Chairman of Berkeley (Central London) Ltd, said: “The restoration of the iconic gasholder will mean a new generation of Londoners and cricket fans across the world can continue to enjoy this important piece of the capital’s history. For buyers, the new homes in the gasholder will provide unparalleled views of the Kia Oval cricket ground; this is an exceptional opportunity for sporting fans looking for the perfect London property.”
Jon Surtees, Head of Community, Public Affairs and Projects at Surrey CCC and the Kia Oval, said: “We’re honoured to have been given this beautiful phoenix by Berkeley, our next door neighbours. The gasholders are an incredible slice of Kennington history and we look forward to displaying this phoenix at our ground, as close as possible to where they used to fly for over 170 years.”
Oval Village will deliver 1,360 homes overall, including 35% affordable, beautifully landscaped public spaces, shops, cafés, restaurant and leisure space, all of which will help provide over 1,000 jobs. The brownfield site is being reconnected with the local community for the first time in decades, with a network of public paths and cycleways being woven through the neighbourhood.
