The famous Kensington Oval Cricket Stadium in Barbados starts complete redevelopment on Friday 17th June 2005. The old site will be demolished to make way for a spectacular new and improved stadium, which will host the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals in 2007. The Kensington Oval was built in January 1930 to host the first ever test match in the West Indies when England toured Barbados and has become renowned as one of the best cricket grounds in the world. Steeped in heritage, history and tradition the West Indies remained unbeaten on the grounds from 1948 until 1993 - it has seen more than 50,000 runs and 1,000 wickets and previous greats like Sir Gary Sobers who set the world�s benchmark at the stadium in 1971 scoring an astonishing six sixes in one over. The government of Barbados is investing BDS$90 million for the islands� infrastructural development, which has been spurred by the immense anticipation of the ICC Cricket World Cup Finals 2007. The new plans for the Kensington Oval will be to create a multi functional sporting complex designed to accommodate an extra 13,000 fans taking the total seating to over 28,000 for the thousands of international cricket fans expected to descend on Barbados for the biggest sporting event ever to be hosted by the iconic Caribbean Island. The demolition and redevelopment of one of the most-loved stadium in the world is an opportunity to celebrate cricket in Barbados, as well as looking ahead to the future of cricket. Alec Stewart ex-England wicket keeper commented: �Barbados will always hold great memories for me. The 1994 Test match at the Kensington Oval when England finally won a test after so many years of losses coupled with me scoring twin centuries in the game will stand out as one of the highlights of my career. The people of Barbados have always made me feel welcome on this great island and the biggest compliment they gave me was that they described my batting as being of �Bajan style and quality�. I look forward to returning to see the "new" oval and enjoying this fantastic island� The new Kensington Oval development is a much talked about event among cricket enthusiasts and on Sunday 12th June 2005 a tribute cricket game entitled �Forever Kensington� was held to bid the old stadium a final goodbye. Throughout the historic 3-hour evening, testimonials and tributes came from over 40 cricket legends who attended the event. Among the speakers were Sir Everton Weekes, Sir Geoff Boycott, Sir Clyde Walcott, Sir Garfield Sobers, Wes Hall and many others. Commenting on his past thoughts and feelings of the Kensington Oval cricket legend Sir Everton Weekes said: �I have had several wonderful moments at Kensington Oval. I remember as a kid playing in the corners of Kensington Oval and then, of course, playing for the army, Barbados, the Empire and the West Indies. I spent so much time there from the age of ten years old and now that I believe that I must have touched each blade of grass at the oval.� The likes of Gordon Greenidge and Alec Stewart will also be included in the new buildings hall of fame among other great cricketers who will share their recollections of their times at the great Kensington Oval. --Ends-- For press information & accreditation to attend please contact: Katerina Zherebtsova Nina Mendy (0207) 292 8332 (0207) 734 1965 katerina@theppc.com ninam@theppc.com