AN HISTORIC part of Kings Hill business park, West Malling, has been sold in a deal aimed at helping small firms to grow.

Capital Enterprise Centres has bought Churchill Square for an undisclosed sum on a "virtually freehold" basis. Some 50 companies are based on the 10-acre site employing several hundred people.

The buildings were used as airmen's quarters during the Second World War and are among the finest examples of classical airfield architecture in Britain.

Capital, a joint venture with leading developer Capital and Counties Plc, is to invest £4.5 million in a facelift for the six buildings surrounding the square.

It promised to be sensitive to their historic importance but to bring the accommodation up to the latest 21st century technical and environmental standards.

Capital already owns St George's Business Park in Sittingbourne and runs small business accommodation in Colchester and Southend, with similar ventures planned in Chelmsford and Croydon.

Its "easy in easy out" monthly rental terms have proved popular with tenants, especially small and fast growing firms that need to move easily to larger premises.

Peter Boam, director, said Churchill Square was an integral part of Kings Hill, and Capital would be working closely with developers Rouse Kent to ensure a smooth operation.

The new owners would also be speaking to tenants to find out their needs. "We're very excited and I think it will work extremely well."

Churchill Square was on a smaller scale to the rest of the park but it would enable start-up businesses to get established and help them flourish in a "class" environment alongside larger neighbours. "It is a good opportunity to bring this sort of use into Kings Hill," he said.

Fellow director Edwin Tarry said: "Our understanding of the needs of small and fast growing companies and an attractive finance package with an 'easy in, easy out' option, has made our business centres very attractive and cost effective property solutions for small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"We are confident that our new operation at Kings Hill, which will create a business centre for SME's within the larger, established business park, will quickly become the premier site in Mid and West Kent for businesses looking for between 150 sq ft and 1,500 sq ft."