Build Begins for Ageas Bowl’s Hilton-branded Hotel

Work has officially started on The Ageas Bowl’s Hilton-branded hotel following a “breaking ground” ceremony held at the home of Hampshire Cricket this morning Friday 21 September 2012. 

Chairman, herbal Rod Bransgrove was on hand, doctor along with Eastleigh Borough Council Leader, symptoms Keith House and principle contractor, Denizen’s Howard Pearson (Area Manager SW) and David Wharton (Project Manager) to oversee the initial stages of work.

When built, the 175-bedroom hotel will be based at the Northern End of the ground and complete an ambitious development programme which has also seen the Colin Ingleby-Mackenzie and Shane Warne stands erected, increasing the venue’s total capacity to 25,000. Hoped to be fully open in time for England’s Test match against India in 2014, the new-look Ageas Bowl will be Britain’s only Model Test Match venue as defined by the England and Wales Cricket Board [ECB].

Rod Bransgrove said; “Today is a landmark day for all involved with The Ageas Bowl. The construction of this hotel represents fantastic opportunities for local people, staff, Hampshire and England Cricket fans and businesses across the South. In building the hotel, the Club, together with our partners at Eastleigh Borough Council, will bring not only top-level cricket to Hampshire, but also a great venue for leisure and business and the socio-economic benefits that come with increased tourism to the area and improved facilities. We hope this hotel will create a legacy, the benefits of which all across the South will see for years to come.”

Keith House said; “After many years of discussions it’s great to see work get under way not just on the hotel but on the massive groundworks for the new 18-hole golf course. The Council is firmly committed to this project not least for the hundreds of extra jobs and the sporting and commercial opportunities that have been brought to our area.”

Patrick Fitzgibbon, senior vice president, 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.”