Canterbury City Council has chosen Ridlands Farm in the south of the city as its preferred site for a new community football hub.

The council has listed the development of the hub as one of its main priorities and aims to have it fully operational by 2010.

The plans include the creation of a new £5.4m permanent home for Canterbury City Football Club, including a new football pitch, spectator seating and club facilities, as well as five-a-side pitches, hospitality facilities and a health and fitness club.

According to a spokesperson, the council now aims to secure a decision to go ahead with the project in principle in the autumn.

Harry Cragg, the council's executive member for culture, said: "This development would provide a wonderful home for Canterbury City FC and also a centre for community football, which would complement the city's existing strengths in hockey, cricket and rugby."

A delivery group has been established and the council’s capital contribution towards the scheme is expected to be around £1m, with £3m coming from the private company operating and building the complex.

Canterbury City FC will organise a public consultation event later in the summer, where local residents will be able to hear about the plans and discuss any issues they may have with the project.