College's big plan for colliery land
Published: 12:40, 15 April 2011
Updated: 12:40, 15 April 2011
Land at the former Betteshanger Colliery site near Deal has been earmarked as a˜flagship of national and regional significance" in a big-sell prospectus just published.
Hadlow College, in partnership with the district and county councils, has produced a 20-page glossy brochure outlining the opportunities for a campus and country park.
According to the brochure, it is possible between 1,000 and 1,660 jobs could be generated with the campus and country park idea, with possibly a hotel or eco-lodge and heritage complex.
It reads: "It will create a new sense of place and local community economic benefit and is a unique regeneration scheme." The prospectus outlines the importance of the plans, especially in the wake of Pfize's shock announement on February 1 to pull out of Sandwich by the end of next year.
It continues: "This project is an 'oven ready' and timed to meet the needs of the local economy and is very relevant in the light of Pfizer announcements.
"Designation of east Kent as a research, innovation and technology zone is exactly what Betteshanger is positioned to achieve."
* For full story buy the East Kent Mercury, edition April 14.
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Sue Briggs