Cricket club submits hotel plans

A cricket club has submitted plans for a 154-bed hotel at its ground as part of an expansion.

Durham County Cricket Club said the development at the Riverside, Chester-le-Street, would respond "to the shortage of hotel accommodation in the area" and create new jobs.

The facility would follow similar hotel complexes at Old Trafford, Manchester, and Rose Bowl, Hampshire.

The £27m project would provide up to 120 jobs and will be considered by Durham County Council later this year.

The proposal also includes a new permanent two-tier seating block, which would replace the existing seating at the Lumley End of the ground, the Local Democracy Reporting Service said.

'Major sporting destination'

Plans for a hotel at the ground have been discussed for more than a decade.

A previous planning application for a hotel and additional seating at the Riverside included plans for a “futuristic pavilion” and had been approved, but was not built.

Now, the club has submitted updated plans in partnership with Howarth Litchfield Architects.

According to a planning statement, the Riverside Hotel would provide a "landmark gateway for the club’s continual development as a major sporting destination".

The proposal also includes an additional 983 spectator seats and 85 car parking spaces.

The statement read: “This development will allow Durham County Cricket Club to compete with the other major venues around the UK where branded stadium hotels are underpinning and enhancing the sporting, leisure and business offers available.

“The new hotel responds to the shortage of hotel accommodation in the area and will provide new jobs.

"The club wishes to construct a high quality building that will set a new standard in the area and kick start further investment and regeneration.”