ANDOVER-based company Powells Group Ltd has been awarded the contract to recommence work on the Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl Cricket ground.

The company has been chosen by RB Sport and Leisure Holdings PLC, the parent company of Hampshire Cricket Ltd, to complete the 175-bedroom hotel in Southampton.

Work ceased in September 2013 when the previous contractors went into administration but the hotel is now scheduled to be open in spring 2015 with the media centre ready to host journalists for the upcoming England v India Test match on 27 July.

Gordon Wells, chairman of Powells Group said: “As a Hampshire-based company, we are delighted to have been awarded the contract to complete the Hilton Hotel at the Ageas Bowl, Southampton and our aim is to continue to use local tradesmen and businesses wherever possible.

“Our forte is the production of high-quality commercial interiors, including hotels, retail premises, showrooms, restaurants and offices.

“Our additional experience of heavy construction work puts us in a perfect position to complete this project on time, on budget and to the highest possible standards.”

Rod Bransgrove, chairman of Hampshire Cricket said: “Through no fault of the club or Eastleigh Borough Council, the hotel development encountered a major setback towards the end of last year. We have worked tirelessly alongside all the key stakeholders in this project to recommence work in the shortest time possible given the complex nature of this project.

“Our aim of creating a model Test match ground and worldclass destination resort is stronger than ever although the realisation of this aim will be just a little later than we had originally planned.”