THIS is the first sight of how a 120-bedroom hotel, restaurant and redevelopment of Worcestershire County Cricket Club’s picturesque ground will look once work is complete.

We reported on Thursday how the multi-million pound scheme will see Premier Inn take up residence at New Road, while new club facilities including a conference centre, new ground entrance, a supporters’ bar, executive suite, new seating, turnstiles and toilets are also proposed.

The scheme previously stalled as the club struggled to secure funding but that issue appears to have now been resolved and if developers are granted planning permission in the spring or summer construction could start in September, with a view to all work being finished by the end of 2013.

Premier Inn parent company Whitbread is investing £7.5 million in the hotel and restaurant.

Worcestershire County Cricket Club is in turn going to invest in excess of £2.5 million to enhance its own facilities.

John Bates, head of acquisitions for Whitbread Hotels and Restaurants, said there is a strong demand for Premier Inn rooms so the company wants to expand its offer.

He said: “Our research tells us that there is an undersupply of quality hotel rooms in Worcester, which we are keen to put right.

“Being part of the iconic New Road ground is an added bonus and shows how flexible Premier Inn can be when it comes to getting into the very best locations.”

Once complete the new hotel and restaurant and bar, which will cater for up to 136 people at any one time, will create more than 45 full-time jobs.

David Leatherdale, chief executive of Worcestershire County Cricket Club, said this will help to secure the club’s finances long-term.

He said: “Not only will the addition of a Premier Inn and new facilities for the club transform our ground into a 365 day a year venue, securing our position as one of only 18 first class counties, it will help attract further inward investment into Worcester and produce a complex the city can be proud of.”

Three trees will have to be cut down to make way for the development, that will also provide 668 new seats for spectators.

The current pay and display car park will be remarked to cater for up to 120 vehicles with six disabled spaces.

Planning permission for a similar scheme was previously granted in 2009 but permission to carry out the work is due to expire this summer which is why a fresh application has been submitted.