East Kent College is to move its science curriculum to a new centre it is opening at Discovery Park, Sandwich.

Students and staff will use labs at the former Pfizer site and work alongside science-based companies already working at there.

The college will also move its 70-strong corporate services team from its Broadstairs campus to the business park by August.

Last year it added campuses at Folkestone and Dover after taking over their running from the broken-up K College.

East Kent College will take 5,390sqft of office and training space and 893sqft of laboratory space.

"It will present an excellent opportunity for East Kent College to establish links with the 80 or so businesses already at Discovery Park..." - Principal Graham Razey

The vacated rooms and offices at the Broadstairs Campus will be used for other training and education.

East Kent College principal Graham Razey said: “Having looked at a number of possible locations, it was quickly very clear that Discovery Park offered the best option in terms of location, quality and cost.

“As well as accessing the science facilities, it will also present an excellent opportunity for East Kent College to establish links with the 80 or so businesses already at Discovery Park, and demonstrate what we offer in terms of training, as well as student placements and apprenticeships.”

The Discovery Park move will means each campus has equal access to the college’s central corporate services, including finance, IT, marketing, employer relations and human resources.

Mr Razey added: “No single campus will be seen as the head office or have a higher priority than the others, and we believe this will be very positive for the 550 staff working at the three campuses, as well as for the communities they each serve.”

Discovery Park managing director Paul Barber said: “The arrival of East Kent College will appeal to many of the companies already here or currently considering establishing a UK base at Discovery Park.

“Discovery Park is a place where many businesses already collaborate and benefit from each other’s expertise. East Kent College will be a fantastic addition to our community.”