Council unveil site for Canterbury City's new stadium

CANTERBURY CITY Council has this week announced that it’s “preferred site” for the proposed football “hub” is Ridlands Farm, near the Kent and Canterbury Hospital.

The plan includes five-a-side pitches, an artificial surface pitch, a gymnasium and clubhouse with Canterbury City FC becoming the core club in the complex.

Canterbury City’s Chairman, Mr Phil Knight, told www.canterburycityfc.com:  “The announcement is another important landmark in the process of developing the community football hub, but a great deal more work remains to be done to bring the vision to reality.

“The club looks forward to supporting the council and other partners as we work together to build a facility that can be enjoyed by the city’s entire football and sporting community.

“The club is committed to meeting up with local residents very soon to discuss how the site might be used and how we can ensure that it becomes a real asset within the city. We will be writing to local residents directly and hope we can start a positive and constructive dialogue”.

The club’s Special Needs Co-ordinator, Mr Tony Newington, said: “We are just in the process of finalising the arrangements for both an Adult Mental Health team and an Adult Learning Difficulties Team so the prospect of being able to home both sides at the Community Hub is very exciting”.

Mr David Ford, the council’s Assistant Head of Culture, explained that Ridlands Farm is in council ownership and identified for the development of playing fields under the Local Plan. He said the council intended to make a final decision over the project in the autumn.

Article courtesy of www.canterburycityfc.com