The cricket club’s parent company RB Sport & Leisure Holdings has appointed local contractor Powells Group Ltd to finish construction of the Hilton at the Ageas Bowl.

Work on the 175-bedroom hotel stopped last September when the previous contractor Denizen went into administration.

The hotel is now scheduled to open in spring 2015 although the Media Centre it houses will be ready in time for the England v India test match in July.

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 world-class destination resort is stronger than ever although the realisation of this aim will be just a little later than we had originally planned.”

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.”

Funding for the completion of the hotel is being provided by Omni Capital who are specialist providers of short and medium-term residential property funding.

The Co-operative Bank, who provided the early seed funding for the development, will now step back from the project.