by Sian Napier

snapier@thekmgroup.co.uk

Supermarket giant Sainsbury’s will open one of its Local shops in the spring at Canterbury’s St Lawrence ground, creating about 25 jobs.

Kent Cricket said the club had agreed to lease a rental space at the ground and the store will be at the front, off Old Dover Road.

It will be within a new club administration building which is under construction.

Sainsbury’s Locals are small convenience shops which serve the immediate area, offering a range of fresh foods, groceries and household products.

Jamie Clifford, the club's chief executive, said: “The club is very pleased to have secured Sainsbury’s as a long-term tenant for the new convenience store space within the administration building.

"Building work is well advanced and we very much look forward to welcoming them to the ground.

“The long-term nature of this partnership is very important to us as we continue to strive for long-term financial stability.

"In addition, the increased footfall at the St Lawrence ground should help raise the profile of everything else the club does throughout the year.”

Mark Rush, regional acquisitions manager for Sainsbury’s, said: “We are delighted to be opening our first Sainsbury’s Local in Canterbury - in the heart of a vibrant community.

"The development of the new retail space at the cricket ground provides us with an excellent opportunity to provide residents and visitors to the area with a fresh and affordable convenience food offer in a convenient location.

"We will be opening the store in the spring, which will create around 25 new jobs for the local area.”