Contract caterer Elior has announced a joint venture with Durham County Cricket Club to provide all hospitality at Emirates Durham International Cricket Ground, with the partnership expected to reap a turnover of £7m-£10m a year.
The deal forms part of the development of the stadium in Chester-Le-Street, which currently attracts around 150,000 visitors throughout the year. A five-year growth plan includes an iconic gateway building, conferencing and banqueting facilities, a 150-bedroom hotel on site and additional seating to increase capacity to 20,000.
Phil Foster, finance director for Elior and a board member of the new company, said: "We have taken our existing six-year relationship with Durham CCC and developed it into a full business partnership, where both parties own 50% of the company."
The new company will be responsible for all catering and facilities management, which will centralise operations, allowing continued focus on quality customer service.
Durham County Cricket Club chief executive David Harker, added: "This is another progressive and exciting venture for the club, which allows us to have a greater role and influence over the catering and brand development at Emirates Durham ICG.
"As we seek to attract further investment in the development of the venue it is essential that we work with like-minded partners that are equally committed to deliver a high quality, welcoming service."
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By Janie Stamford
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