Investment of £1.5m has been announced at the Kent Event Centre, strengthening its position as the largest conference venue in the county.
The Kent County Agricultural Society confirmed the go-ahead for the project during the Kent County Show, which attracted 75,000 visitors to the Detling site earlier this month.
The new structure (artist’s impression pictured) will replace the existing Kent Pavilion, opened by the Duke of Kent in 2004.
The new single span Kent Pavilion will seat up to 4,000 people, theatre-style. Work will start in October and the new Pavilion will be officially opened at next summer’s Kent County Show.
Glyn Charlton, the KCAS Honorary Finance Director, said: “This investment will further enhance the already excellent range of facilities here at the Kent Event Centre.”
The project is funded by a Barclays Bank loan and is to be completed by the Kent-based company Cardy by the end of April 2014 with no disruption to current events envisaged.
Event Centre Manager Alison Wallington said the last major expansion came in June 2011 with the opening of the Clive Emson Conference Centre.
Wallington said the ongoing programme of investment in facilities at the centre, boosting choice and capacity for clients, was paying dividends in attracting more bookings.
“By investing in facilities and maintaining a clear focus on customer service we are enjoying a hugely successful year, with bookings into 2014 looking very healthy,” she said.
“We are hosting over 60 public events this year plus conferences, training courses and meetings. While there continues to be pressure on budgets, organisers place a high priority on getting value for money and that’s where we score heavily. From large-scale Asian weddings to property auctions, from baby and toddler shows to Christmas parties, we really can provide whatever the customer wants,” Wallington addd.
The 200-acre site includes six meeting rooms as well as the Emson Centre and three pavilions. There is free parking for 10,000 vehicles on site.
Do you have news for CN? Email: pcolston@mashmedia.net
