Durham County Cricket Club has submitted plans for a new 154-bed hotel as part of ambitious expansion plans to create a “major sporting destination”.

The £27m project is due to create up to 120 jobs and support the region’s tourism industry. 

A new permanent two-tier seating block is also proposed, replacing the existing seating at the Lumley End of the ground. 

Up to 50 per cent of the rooms at the Riverside Hotel will overlook the cricket pitch to provide a “unique match day and concert venue experience”.

Taking inspiration from similar hotel complexes at the Old Trafford, Manchester, and Rose Bowl, Hampshire, the new facility is set to create 120 jobs. 

The Northern Echo: How the new hotel and stand could look at the Riverside How the new hotel and stand could look at the Riverside (Image: Howarth Litchfield Architects)

A planning statement read: “The hotel will provide a landmark gateway for the club’s continual development as a major sporting destination along with permanent two-tier seating which together will form the complete stadium enclosure. 

“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.”

The Northern Echo:

In total the proposal will provide: 

• 154 bedrooms 

• 983 spectator seats (additional) 

• 85 car parking spaces

Plans for a new hotel at the ground have been mooted for more than a decade but failed to come to fruition. A previous planning application for a hotel and additional seating at the Riverside was approved, and included plans for a “futuristic pavilion”, but was not built. 

Now, Durham County Cricket Club has submitted updated plans in partnership with Howarth Litchfield Architects. The proposal is due to be considered by Durham County Council later this year.