KENT'S newest conference centre is open for business. Keys to the £2.8 million 200-seat complex were handed over by builders in a special ceremony.

The building also houses an extensive library and the European Organic Fruit and Nursery Stock Research initiative. Bosses hope the centre will be well used by horticultural organisations from across the United Kingdom, but also by enterprises in other sectors, especially in Kent, needing a well-appointed modern venue.

Mike Stokes of Ballast, the Canterbury-based main contractor, handed the keys to centre director David Parry, who said the ceremony marked the end of years of effort to "turn our original dream into a reality". He said: "Ballast Construction finished the work on budget and to schedule with minimal disruption to HRI's extensive programme of Research and Development."

The centre contains a 200-seat auditorium that can be sub-divided into two rooms for smaller events. It is also equipped with the latest audio visual facilities, two meeting rooms, an exhibition area, an organic demonstration area, organic garden, and one of the largest horticultural libraries in the country. DEFRA minister Elliot Morley will officially open the new building on September 20.

Inquiries about hiring the venue to administrator Jean Hodges on 01732 843833 or jean.hodges@hri.ac.uk