In 2015 Sunderland fans or other event attendees will be able to sleep just meters away from Stadium of Light as plans are announced for a new Hilton hotel in Sunderland, just next to the football ground. Construction Enquirer report.

The City Council has recently acquired the land for the development and a newly-formed company, Sunderland FC Developments, which is affiliated to Sunderland AFC, will bring the development forward.

What this means is 150 new jobs and a much improved commercial package for Sunderland AFC and nearby Aquatic Centre, both being future neighbours of the Hilton hotel.

Stadium of Light is already a major hub for leisure and commercial events, bringing hundreds of thousands of people together for football, concerts or conferences. With the hotel next door, their offer should be more attractive.

Construction on the Stadium Park site is scheduled to start early next year ahead of the hotel’s planned opening in summer 2015.