Kent ditch Canterbury hotel plans

By Mark Pennell

Kent have ditched plans to build a four star hotel on ground near to the lime tree side of their headquarters in Canterbury with a view to building more homes on the boundary’s edge.

After the county’s failure to attract a hotel chain to build on the Old Dover Road plot of the St Lawrence ground, Kent have announced proposals to develop a residential scheme of apartments overlooking the ground with retirement property specialists, McCarthy and Stone. 

Although details are in the early stages of planning, the club is now proposing to redevelop the site previously earmarked for a hotel with a mix of self-contained one and two bedroom flats and communal facilities with secure entry systems.

A pre-application consultation programme with members, supporters, the public and local businesses will commence in the spring ahead of a formal planning application.

In announcing the change of tack, Kent’s chief executive Jamie Clifford said: “After considerable efforts to generate interest, the club has concluded that the prospect of securing a high-quality hotel developer is extremely remote. 

"McCarthy & Stone are a leader in their field, and I hope that we can look forward to a seeing a high-quality scheme developed.”

Date: 15/03/2013 09:22:05 by Mark Pennell
In: Today | Kent |