IT will cost £45m and make it one of the most spectacular cricket grounds in the world.

While black clouds descend over Saints' St Mary's ground a new dawn is rising at the Rose Bowl - home of Hampshire cricket.

Earlier this week Eastleigh councillors gave the green light for a massive redevelopment of the West End ground which will bring the capacity up to 25,000 and put it on track to becoming the first of a new generation of Test grounds.

These images show what life will be like for spectators at the superbowl - a million years away from Hampshire's old county ground in Northlands Road.

As well as providing a regular stage for international cricket it will also boost the Rose Bowl's capacity for hosting pop concerts. In the past its star-studded shows have included The Who and Billy Joel and this summer will see the legendary Neil Diamond perform.

Two new spectator stands will provide covered seating for 5,000 spectators while lounges for up to 250 people will overlook the stands and executive boxes.

The current Rose Bowl site is already impressive. It covers 150 acres and boasts a three-storey pavilion with sweeping fabric canopies designed by the architects of Lord's grand Mount Stand.

But these plans will make the Rose Bowl one of the most lavish stadiums in world cricket.

Fans will be able to come through the turnstiles and see the field of play straight in front of them. There will be full provision for disabled spectators, including dedicated wheelchair spaces.

There will be a range of luxury-style hospitality, media and spectator facilities which will be the envy of the cricketing world.

For more pictures and the full story, see today's Daily Echo - or why not see our Cricket section?