Hampshire are set to increase the capacity of the Rose Bowl by 5,000 after the club were granted planning permission.
Redevelopment plans get the go-ahead at Hampshire
Hampshire are set to increase the capacity of the Rose Bowl by 5,000 after the club were granted planning permission to begin £45million development work.
Eastleigh Borough Council have unanimously approved the planning application which encompasses the construction of two new covered seating stands.
Hospitality, media and other facilities will be developed as the capacity of the Rose Bowl increases from 20,000 to 25,000 - making it one of the largest grounds in the country.
A 175-bedroom hotel is also to be built around the northern end of the ground which will include spa and conference facilities.
Important step
Rooms overlooking the pitch will convert to hospitality suites and media facilities during major matches at the venue, with the nine-hole golf course set to be developed into an 18-hole course.
The design of the new facilities will make the Rose Bowl the first model Test Match ground in the UK and will enhance the grounds opportunities to host Test cricket.
Rose Bowl plc chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "This decision is good news for the Rose Bowl and English cricket in general.
"It represents one more important step on our journey to build a truly world class stadium and the first model Test Match ground."
