Thanet is land of opportunities, says new organisation

A new organisation to drive forward the commercial development of two key areas of land in Thanet has been unveiled.

East Kent Opportunities, a joint venture between Kent County Council (KCC) and Thanet District Council (TDC), is set to regenerate the area by creating jobs, improving skills and training opportunities through the development of Eurokent and Manston Park.

KCC acquired Manston Park, formerly Kent International Business Park, following the collapse of PlaneStation in 2006.  The 27 hectare (70+ acre) site is adjacent to Kent International Airport and currently contains a range of businesses including Cummins Power Generation, Avia Services and Invicta Food.

Thanet District Council's historical ownership of 40 acres at Eurokent will be put into the joint venture following the ending of an agreement with Rosefarm Estates. East Kent Opportunities will now take on the responsibility for the development of both Manston Park and Eurokent.

Roger Gough, KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration, said: "East Kent Opportunities is all about making the most out of what we have got in terms of publicly owned land in order to transform this part of East Kent into a truly sustainable and vibrant place to live and work that is the envy of anywhere else in the South East."

Roger Latchford, TDC Member, said: "Thanet is an exciting place at the moment and increasingly in the commercial spotlight, thanks to the likes of Westwood Cross, Kent International Airport, Thanet Earth and the prospect of massive investment from overseas.  By pooling our resources we will be better placed to plan for the future for the benefit of local parties and businesses."

The new venture is the result of the signing of the ‘Kent Commitment' by KCC and the county's 12 district councils to co-operate in shaping the area's economic growth and regeneration.

One of the first tasks for the new partnership will be the organisation of a programme of public consultations for the future development of Eurokent, which is adjacent to the Westwood Cross, the Newington estate and the Marlowe Academy.

Working behind the scenes, the team at East Kent Opportunities was instrumental in securing the funding for the construction of the new £6.5million spine road link between Westwood Cross, the Newington estate and the Marlowe Academy, which will open up the Eurokent site.  Work has recently begun on the road and it should be completed by September 2008.

Source: Maxim PR