TWO hundred business and civic chiefs packed County Hallin Maidstone to honour the "go to" American whose vision inspired Kent's flagship business park.

Bill Rouse, the entrepreneur who pioneered Kings Hill at West Malling, died earlier this year after a long battle with cancer.

Kent County Council hosted a celebration in words and pictures of Mr Rouse's life and achievements in Kent, the United States and Africa.

Guests included David Hammers, a close business partner and friend, Rob Fenza, chief operating officer with American-based Liberty Properties, former KCC chief executive Paul Sabin, now heading Leeds Castle, and Tim Byles, KCC's former economic director and now chief executive at Norfolk County Council.

A video compilation showed the audience the many facets of a fascinating life that led to Mr Rouse being described at a memorial service in Philadelphia as a "go to" person who makes things happen.

Mr Rouse transformed the centre of Philadelphia with his skyscraper Liberty Place and set new environmental and architectural standards at the 650-acre Great Valley Corporate Center, a model for Kings Hill, in Pennsylvania.

He gave Philadelphia a new convention centre and performing arts centre, saved wildlife in Africa and quietly helped transform the lives of many with his philanthropy.

His philosophy was summed up in his own words: "The more I give, the harder it is to catch up with what has been given to me."

But it was his vision of business parks enhanced with green, open space and sculptures that led to a unique partnership with KCC and the development by Rouse Kent of the former World War II airfield at West Malling.

The 650-acre mixed use development has grown to 100 business occupiers employing 5,000 people and a residential community of 3,500, 15 per cent of whom live and work there.

It is also well known for its public art, a particular passion for Mr Rouse in creating a sense of place.

Cllr Alex King, KCC's cabinet member for regeneration, led the tributes. He said: "Bill Rouse was a true ‘go to’ man, who achieved great things. He was self-made, with a rare integrity, who never once forgot his commitment to the communities he worked in and to his family.

"Philadelphia held him in high esteem, alongside William Penn, the legendary founder of the state of Pennsylvania. If you captured his imagination, as the county council did with Kings Hill -- which, remember, was a run-down airbase complete with H blocks -- you had, not just a business partner, but the greatest, most loyal ally your cause could wish for."

* An oak tree is to be planted at White Horse Wood, Detling, in memory of Bill Rouse. A piece of public artwork for Kings Hill will also be commissioned in his honour, with costs shared between KCC and Rouse Kent, sponsors for the past 10 years of a county public art award.