Afrieximbank Signs US$25 Million Agreement for Kensington Upgrade | World News

The Barbados government has secured a US$25 million loan from the African Export–Import Bank (Afreximbank) to revamp the iconic Kensington Oval. The chairman of the Kensington Oval Management Inc (KOMI), Damien Gaskin, revealed plans to transform the venue into a multi-purpose facility, capable of hosting a wide range of events beyond just cricket matches.

The redevelopment project aims to leave a lasting legacy, with improvements including an indoor facility equipped with the latest technology to enhance training for cricketers year-round. The goal is to make the Oval more versatile, allowing for seamless transitions between hosting big concerts and major cricket matches without compromising the field.

In addition to preparing for the upcoming ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Gaskin emphasized the importance of expanding the income-earning potential of the facility. The vision is for Kensington Oval to become a premier destination for events globally, not just limited to cricket matches.

Prime Minister Mia Mottley also shared plans to introduce new experiences for tourists, including organizing a cricket T10 event for cruise ship visitors. The government is considering selling the naming rights of the historic ground, following international trends in sports facility management.

With significant progress already made on the redevelopment project, Gaskin expressed confidence in the work done so far, highlighting that they are over 80% complete in many aspects of the renovation. The transformation of Kensington Oval promises to elevate its status as a world-class venue for sports and entertainment events.