Hilton to open at Hampshire County Cricket ground the Ageas Bowl
Hilton has signed a franchise agreement with RB Hotels to open at Hampshire County Cricket Club's new home, the Ageas Bowl.
The £27m hotel at England's latest test match venue is expected to open in early 2014. It will be operated by Sanguine Hospitality.
As part of the stadium development, the hotel will include 171 rooms and four suites, many of which will overlook the pitch. Some 85 of the rooms will double up as corporate hospitality venues during match days.
Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president of development, Europe & Africa, Hilton Worldwide, said: "We are delighted to be opening our second property in Southampton, complementing the existing Hilton Southampton with a new landmark hotel at the Ageas Bowl. English cricket has experienced a period of great success, and we are excited to become a part of that in a year where Hilton Worldwide has contributed to developing a lasting legacy for sports tourism in the UK."
The announcement follows a summer that has seen Hilton open two properties at flagship sporting locations. Hilton London Wembley, overlooking the stadium, opened in July, while Hilton Worldwide's first dual branded property in the UK, Hilton and Hampton by Hilton at St George's Park, Burton upon Trent, was opened last month at the FA's new multi-million pound National Football Centre.
Hospitality builder Denizen Contracts has secured in excess of £27m for the development. It is anticipated the project will take 18 months to complete.
Paul Bolton, chairman of Denizen Contracts, said: "Uniquely, the design allows for domestic and international cricket fans to watch a day's play from one of 85 boxes, while guests on the other side of the hotel will enjoy stunning views across the Ageas Bowl County Golf Club. There will be nothing standard about this development."
Simon Matthews-Williams, chairman of Sanguine Hospitality, added: "The Ageas Bowl is already recognised as one of the finest cricket venues in the country and we're confident with the new investment it will also become a destination of choice for business, conference and leisure guests."
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By James Stagg
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