Leicester Tigers has revealed details of a new "high quality" hotel to be built on the 1.7-acre Granby Halls car park site adjacent to its Welford Road Stadium.
The rugby club intends to develop a £22m, 165-bedroom hotel over five floors with meeting rooms and conference space, lounge and dining areas, and a leisure complex including a fitness suite, restaurant, sky bar and retail units.
In 2016 Leicester City Council agreed to sell the Granby Halls site, which is currently used as a car park, to the club. Planning details are currently being finalised between the two parties. The club reports it is also close to appointing a hotel operator for the property which is due to be ready for the 2019/20 season.
Club chief executive Simon Cohen said: "Liaising with potential investors and the city council, we're close to reaching an agreement with a global hotel provider to operate a high-quality hotel complex which will add an exciting dimension for fans, partners, businesses and the city of Leicester.
"Sport continues to be a driving force in putting this city on the map and the fact that we will be able to offer top-of-the-range accommodation will enhance the city's strong sporting profile."
Duncan Green, managing director of construction consultancy Pick Everard, which has been leading the development, added: "Building a high-quality hotel at the Tigers will significantly strengthen their place as a major sporting, leisure and community destination.
"Working with Leicester City Council and the club, we have been able to develop a scheme that makes the best use of the old Granby Halls site, supporting the Tigers and reaching out to businesses and the local communities through its new facilities and jobs."
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