Rod Bransgrove, Hampshire Chairman

Energy Secretary and Eastleigh MP Chris Huhne is backing the improvements in Hampshire Cricket’s The Rose Bowl and has praised the completion of stage one of the £48 million development project.

Mr Huhne was briefed on the scheme by Hampshire Cricket Chairman and Chief Executive Rod Bransgrove during a visit to the venue and said that the impressive project would bring big benefits to the area.

Mr Huhne is pictured with Rod Bransgrove and Managing Director, Glenn Delve, during the visit to update him on the exciting re-development of the ground, and the plans for a 4-star hotel with 18-hole golf course.

Two new major stands have already been constructed and received their historic Test match debut recently - the first ever on the South Coast - as England took on Sri Lanka in the third and final match of the npower Test Series.

The £9 million stands provide covered seating for a further 4,800 spectators, lifting the Rose Bowl’s overall maximum capacity to 25,000, and extend the number of function suites to 15.

Mr Huhne said that it was a particular thrill to be able to see the stands from the wicket, rather than the other way round. Mr Huhne said: "The Rose Bowl is establishing itself as the most impressive cricket facility in Britain with the best facilities at the cutting edge of modern sport. It is a fantastic home for Hampshire Cricket, a first class attraction for Eastleigh borough, and an increasingly impressive flagship for our area on the international stage".

During his visit to the ground at West End, Mr Huhne had discussions with Mr. Bransgrove and Mr. Delve regarding the challenges facing sport in the UK with particular regard to cricket.