Discovery Park, Sandwich in talks with potential buyer
The pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is believed to be in detailed talks with a potential buyer for its operation in east Kent.
The company announced nearly a year ago it would be closing its operation in Sandwich, which employed 2,400 people.
Pfizer has confirmed it is in talks with a consortium called London and Metropolitan about buying the campus.
It announced in November that 650 jobs at the Discovery Park would remain at the site.
David Foley, chief executive of the Thanet and East Kent Chamber of Commerce, said it was "another step on the road to the site being sold and businesses moving in there".
"It's a magnificent site... you have splendid road connections, we hope we'll soon have better air connections, and of course it's right opposite the biggest trading market in the world, which is of course Europe," he said.
The Conservative MP for Thanet South, Laura Sandys, said: "It means we'll be able to market the Discovery Park very effectively and ensure that we've got a vision for the Enterprise Zone that will attract new jobs and new companies."
She said she had been briefed by London and Metropolitan, which she said had a "very clear vision about having a strong life science park that will attract people internationally".
"They really believe in east Kent and I think that that makes a big, big difference," she added.
"We're an exciting part of the country. We've been ignored for quite a long time and having people who are enthusiastic and who are prepared to put the assets behind making Discovery Park work is important."
In a separate development, Pfizer has also completed the sale of its sports and social club and childcare facilities.
Source: BBC News Online
