A Ground to
be proud of
Stands / Seating
Current seating provision on the ground is 5,500. This is split between
covered and uncovered seating. This capacity is to be maintained at
its present level in the planned development. On occasions when additional
seating is required, temporary seating will be hired in.
Practice Facilities
The revised plan for the ground necessitates the relocation of the
present net area. The plan allows for relocation to an area close
to the Academy and the multi-sport games area. These facilities will
need time to develop and in the meantime it is likely that the outfield
areas of the ground will be used for practice. Modern double-ended
layouts will mean a smaller area would be required than at present.
Physiotherapy
/ Rehabilitation Unit
The Club currently runs a physiotherapy clinic situated within the
Kent Cricket Academy. There are 2/3 physiotherapists currently operating
this unit. They do not have any spare capacity and work in constrained
accommodation.
A requirement
has been identified for greater facilities both in terms of treatment
rooms, and in the provision of bespoke premises for this type of work.
The Club is proposing to incorporate a facility into the Health and
Fitness Centre which will be of major benefit to the City of Canterbury
- a physiotherapy/sports injury/healthy living/ rehabilitation centre.
Match
day hospitality provision
On major match days the Club currently uses a combination of the existing
hospitality boxes in the Les Ames stand and marquees for its hospitality
requirements. The Les Ames boxes are old and outdated as well as being
impractical.
A new hospitality
facility for the Club is seen as a high priority. The new highly flexible
corporate hospitality facility will be incorporated into a restructured
Woolley stand. This will become a significant area of activity with
capacity for 360.
Club Offices
/ Front of House
The current office facility is in a converted residential house. It
is at the end of the drive and is not welcoming.
The construction
of offices, reception and retail area at the entrance to the club
will transform the welcome to visitors to the St Lawrence ground.
The building will incorporate three retail outlets, and a cricket
museum.
Academy
In 2005 the new Kent Cricket Academy opened - this was seen as the
first stage in redeveloping the ground. The facility is vital for
developing the Kent cricketers of the future. Already it has strong
links with local clubs and schools.
Floodlights
With the increase in popularity of floodlit cricket, and large crowds
for games, KCCC is keen to be in a position to host such fixtures.
Installing permanent floodlights will allow KCCC to run day-night
matches more economically.
Refurbishment
An England & Wales Cricket Board Report, dated January 2006, stated
"The ground is tired and facilities need substantial investment."
It is proposed to refurbish all areas of the ground. This would include:
scoreboard, seating, pavilion, media facilities, permanent walkways,
signage, dressing rooms and all public facilities.
