Canterbury City Council has given an enthusiastic welcome to the announcement of a £2.95 million funding boost from the South East England Development Agency.

The Agency will be contributing £2 million to acquire a property next door to the existing Marlowe Theatre in order to create a larger venue and improve access, and £975,000 towards the restoration and transformation of The Canterbury Beaney into a cultural and heritage hub.

The council’s Chief Executive, Colin Carmichael, said: “We are delighted with Seeda’s decision, confirming their commitment to these two key projects which are so important to the city and to the regeneration of east Kent. This positive statement will serve to build confidence in the vision that we have expressed, benefiting Canterbury for future generations.”