The redeveloped Kensington Oval, targeted to be the most outstanding ground of its size in the world, is to become a multi-purpose facility to help create a return on the significant investment.

When completed in time for Cricket World Cup 2007, the Oval will developed to host cultural events, business meetings and conferences.

It will also include astate-of-the-art cricket history museum, ultra-modern indoor training facilities and will be targeting the United States sports market.

This disclosure was made yesterday by World Cup Barbados chief executive officer Stephen Alleyne during a media conference to give an update on Barbados’ preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007.

“We want a ground that will be able to host the best World Cup final, but which will then transform this country’s ability to host sporting and other events,” Alleyne said.

Cricket matches alone will not be enough to generate adequate revenue despite the fact that Kensington is the highest grossing Test match venue in the Caribbean.

“It is a significant investment. There is a responsibility for all of us involved to make the best return we can on that investment,” Alleyne said.

“All that cricket needs will be provided in this facilityand above.”

Alleyne was asked aboutthe potential danger of Kensington playing second fiddle to cricket against the background that the National Stadium and the Garfield Sobers Sports Complex have often had to give way to entertainment events.

“The Kensington that we will end up with will be a superb and superior cricket venue,” he said.

“I don’t think cricket will suffer. What is likely is that there will be a number of additional uses which will in turn add to the viabilityof the entity.

“In my view that will help cricket. We will then have a well-maintained venue which is financially viable.”

As a result, the facility will have a manager, whose responsibilities will include marketing and promotions. Other grounds around the world are also moving in the direction of multi-event facilities.

Alleyne said the technology today allowed for a ground which hosted a rock concert one day to be transformed into a state of readiness for a cricket match the next day.

The final design for the developed Kensington is expected to be drawn up shortly.

The ground is expected to have a capacity of 27,000 - including about temporary seating of 13,000 – for the World Cup final, but the capacity for post World Cup will be between 13,000and 15 000.