A new engineering training centre opens today after the project went £800,000 over budget, developers have revealed.

The 3,000 sq ft site forms part of the Hoplands Park estate in Hersden, just outside Canterbury, which features 250 new homes, commercial space, a park, and a childcare centre.

A spokesperson for Quinn Estates, which was contracted to build the amenities, says the project will be an example of how a deprived area can be transformed.

“It’s going to make a huge difference,” said the spokesperson.

“The place looks amazing, the entrance way to the village looks really nice and you can already see way more economic activity in the village.

“I believe it’s had a really positive benefit to the area.

“It goes to show how an area can be changed through good planning, not being greedy and giving a bit back.”

Planning for the project was approved last year with a budget of £400,000, but the increased price of building materials has raised the cost to £1.2 million and eaten into the developer’s profit margin.

“The cost of everything has gone up massively - steel has gone up by three times,” said the Quinn Estates representative.

“But rather than shirk the costs, we stepped up.

“I put my hand in my pocket and this is now us delivering what we said we would, despite the massive difference in cost.”

The training centre has been built for East Kent College, which encompasses Canterbury College, Ashford College, and Dover College.

It will cater for about 300 students at any one time, studying courses ranging from construction certifications to full civil engineering apprenticeships.

The facility includes a series of outdoor ‘stations’ where students can develop skills including drainage and bricklaying. Inside is a training centre, office and other facilities.

“We are delighted to be able to launch this fantastic new facility for east Kent, providing hundreds of students each year with the transferable skills they will need to thrive in the construction and engineering industries," continued the Quinn Estates representative

“With all the developments we create, leaving a positive community legacy is at the heart of what we do and our development in Hersden is no exception."

Along with the educational centre, the community will also benefit from a 35-acre park and a nursery.

The nursery, which will be open for business in about 12 months, will offer free child care to long-term-unemployed parents.

The training centre will prepare students for careers in engineering and construction work.