Rose Bowl's �48m revamp under way

Work has begun on a £48m revamp of Hampshire's Rose Bowl cricket ground, which would make it the second largest Test ground in the country.

The wide-ranging improvements include new stands and enhanced access as well as a 175-bedroom hotel.

The ground's capacity will rise to 25,000, making it the largest Test ground in the country after Lords.

The first stage of the project will see the construction of two new stands, either side of the existing pavilion.

The stands are due for completion in time for the start of the 2010 cricket season in April and will provide covered seating for a further 4,800 spectators.

Impact on taxpayers

Rose Bowl Plc Chairman Rod Bransgrove said: "This is a fantastic day for The Rose Bowl and Hampshire Cricket and all our supporters, staff and stakeholders as it marks the tangible beginning of our redevelopment programme."

The ground reached agreement with Eastleigh Borough Council over the development in July.

The council will provide the £30m funding for the hotel.

It says the cost will have no impact on taxpayers, and estimates the project will create 200 jobs.

The whole project is due to be completed by the summer of 2011 in time for the ground's first England Test match, against Sri Lanka.

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