Public to have their say on proposed Kent stadium

Plans for a proposed stadium, which would be home to Canterbury City Football Club, have been opened up to public consultation this week.

The stadium, at Ridlands Farm near the Kent and Canterbury Hospital, would provide the team with their first home ground since they reformed in 2007.

The stadium would have a minimum capacity of 1,000, two covered stands, five floodlight columns, a clubhouse, changing facilities, a medical room, licensed bar, directors' box and spectator toilets.

It would be enclosed by a perimeter fence with two sets of turnstiles and some parking provided on site.

The club is currently in a ground sharing arrangement with Herne Bay Football Club but this is geographically displaced from supporters in Canterbury, lacks long term security of tenure and offers few opportunities to generate income through friendly fixtures, advertising and sponsorship deals.

Twenty-three sites from across the city were evaluated before Ridlands Farm was recommended in 2010 as the preferred development site.

The plans are open to public feedback until 3 February 2012 and are viewable on the Canterbury City Council website Link text.

A final decision on the plans is expected in summer/autumn 2013.