Kent get Canterbury go ahead

Kent's members have voted in favour of plans to substantially redevelop the county's base at Canterbury.

At a Special General Meeting on Monday (September 3) the members voted by 1347 to 418 to endorse a proposal put forward be the committee.

"I am delighted that the members have voted so strongly in favour of our proposals and I believe that the outcome of the meeting is a vote of confidence in the Club's plans for the future of the St Lawrence Ground," Carl Openshaw, the chairman, said. "Kent play cricket at Canterbury on only 40 days a year and it is clear that the members recognise that it is vital for the future of the club that we upgrade the facilities on the ground and generate additional revenue on a year-round basis."

Canterbury City Council granted planning permission for the development plans on June 14, 2007. The plans include the sale of two areas of the ground for housing development and the long lease of a site for a 130-bedroom hotel and fitness centre.

Openshaw said that capital receipts from these transactions will enable the county to carry out a comprehensive refurbishment programme for the ground and the provision of a conference centre, new offices, retail units and other sporting facilities.