Partnership Plugs The Gap

An East Kent organisation, which is literally helping to plug the gap and unlock the potential for economic development, has started to reap the rewards after commissioning a £10 million investment in the area.

The East Kent Spatial Development Company (EKSDC), a partnership between SEEDA, Thanet District Council, Dover District Council, Canterbury City Council, Shepway District Council, Kent County Council and English Partnerships, has received its first financial contribution from EDF Energy after completing Phase 1 of its electricity infrastructure project.

EKSDC funded the electricity project which involved cabling from Richborough to a new substation on the northern edge of Kent International Airport and further cabling routes supplying Manston Park and surrounding areas, the airport, Eurokent, Thanet Reach, and the Westwood housing development.

Debbie Spalding, Chief Executive of EKSDC, said: "It has been recognised for a long time that one of the main factors holding back investment in the area is its lack of infrastructure, in particular the provision of electricity.

"The absence of an electricity supply was a longstanding disincentive to inward investors, as the developer who triggers a requirement for additional infrastructure has to pay the total cost which can make an investment uneconomical. Our job has been to literally plug the gap and what we have seen today is the first fruits of our labours."

What makes the EKSDC project different is the fact that in return for the investment in the area's infrastructure, it negotiated a deal with the utility companies, including EDF. As a result when businesses connect to the supply a reimbursement proportionate to the amount of take up is paid back to the EKSDC to help fund other projects and repay the public investment.

The work of EKSDC is currently focused on the 550 hectares (1200 acres) of land zoned for development in Thanet Central Island and the Sandwich Corridor. It is also recognised that the need to upgrade infrastructure services to the White Cliffs Business Park in Dover is a key priority for investment, to open up opportunities for forward funding essential services.

Source: Maxim PR