The proposed £4million redevelopment of The Mote will be for the benefit of the club’s members – with Kent cricket’s potential return an added bonus.

Members of The Mote have already voted in favour of the project, which includes a new pavilion and building work may start next year. It would be funded by money generated from the sale of land for housing.

Mote chairman Glenn Aukett said: “It’s important we make the point that this redevelopment isn’t for Kent.

“First and foremost, it’s for the members of The Mote Cricket Club and Maidstone Rugby Club. That’s why we’re doing it.”

Mr Aukett said there have been positive talks with Kent chief executive Jamie Clifford about a possible return of county cricket.

He said: “It would be good to have first class cricket back at The Mote and from the discussions we’ve had with Jamie Clifford, Kent would welcome it as well.

“There have been many great matches at The Mote and from a sporting point of view, Maidstone Week is something that’s been missing from the town which we need to get back. We would gladly welcome Kent back and it would be fantastic for the people of Maidstone."

Mr Clifford said: “We have been talking to the people at The Mote virtually since the day we stopped playing there.

“It’s a super venue for staging county cricket, albeit with the challenges about pitches and facilities. The re-development of the pavilion is crucial if we are to go back there and it’s something we would like to see happen.

“There is no timescale at the moment but there are some good people at the club who want it to happen.”