Kent Science Park has announced a series of development proposals, which would see a further £25m invested at the park near Sittingbourne in Swale over the next five years and create 500 jobs. The proposals include a new Arrivals Centre, for which a planning application has just been lodged with Swale Borough Council, plus the development of further Technology Units following the success of the recently completed first phase of new buildings.

The most significant proposed investment is for the extension of the Park by four hectares, from its current 22 hectares, to enable it to accommodate growing tenants and new companies within 129,000ft2 (12,000m2) of new commercial property.

A key part of the four hectare extension will be used to build an international headquarters building for Ecologia, one of Kent Science Park’s award-winning tenants, due to the lack of suitable space or buildings within the existing security fence.

The announcement coincides with news that Kent Science Park is bucking the trend in the commercial property market. Its team is currently negotiating with existing tenants who, between them, are interested in taking a further 70,000ft2 (6,500m2) of business accommodation, plus prospective new arrivals who are interested in occupying 40,000ft2 (3,716m2).

Andrew Bull of LaSalle Investment Management, the company which manages Kent Science Park, said: “Given the recent economic slowdown the expansions plans of existing and new tenants demonstrates the value of knowledge-based business in these difficult times. This announcement shows that we, and our tenants, are committed to Kent and in particular Swale.

“These proposals, which are consistent with the Swale Local Plan, would ensure that the Park has the ability to accommodate the needs of existing tenants and new companies moving to the Park over the next four to five years.

“At the Park we operate a ‘Gateway Policy’, which effectively vets any company applying to move on site and ensures we remain focused on building a strong science and knowledge-based community of companies.

“We are now perfectly placed to deliver a step change for Swale’s economy and play our part at the heart of the Borough’s ambitions for its regeneration.”

The plans propose the construction of two new Tech Units, one of 25,000ft2 (2,323m2) and a further one of about 10,000ft2 (929m2) designed to provide specialist accommodation for new technology tenants, as well as accommodating the expansion needs of existing knowledge-based businesses at the Park. The proposed new buildings follow demand for the first phase of Tech Units, which have just been completed and seen Thermoelectric, an existing tenant, and Perfect Fusion, a new arrival, both sign up to take space. The Park’s management team are also finalising negotiations with another existing tenant who is eager to expand and take one of the first Tech Units.

James Speck, Site Director at Kent Science Park added: “The site for the new Tech Units is located on the only undeveloped plot within the existing Science Park that is enclosed by the existing security fence. The new Tech Units would accommodate 100 employees.”

On the issue of a new headquarters building for Ecologia, James Speck added: “Ecologia epitomises the type of ambitious company that will be essential to Swale’s economic regeneration. It is essential that we do everything we can to help them grow at Kent Science Park.”

The new Arrivals Centre, replacing the existing gatehouse, will create a new entrance that is innovative in design, welcoming and environmentally friendly. Using sustainable building materials and techniques, the new building will incorporate a wildflower meadow covered roof and FSC timber cladding.

James Speck: “The proposed Arrivals Centre will create the right impression of Kent Science Park for the 1,000 people that work here and the many suppliers and businesses who visit the Park every week.”

As part of these proposals Kent Science Park is consulting with local residents, in particular those who live on Ruins Barn Road and Broadoak Road, and has hosted a public meeting, produced a newsletter and a website which contains details of the proposals at www.kentsciencepark.co.uk under ‘future plans’.

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