BCA after world-class venue

The Barbados Cricket Association (BCA) is seeking to create a modern world-class venue capable of staging events of the highest international level. It plans to either outfit Kensington Oval to satisfy international standards or to develop a new ground by 2006.

And according to the BCA's four-year development plan, initial estimates indicate such a facility will cost between $35 million and $60 million, depending on whether existing facilities are upgraded or a new stadium is constructed.

"The creation of a world-class venue capable of holding sports and other events of the highest international level is deemed to be of paramount importance," the plan said.

"Previous studies recognise that a modern floodlit facility can facilitate accelerated player development and enhance revenue opportunities."

The plan acknowledged that while Kensington had a proud history and had been a venue for epic battles, the facilities did not approach those of widely acknowledged world-class venues.