AROUND 80 jobs are to be created at a new hybrid commercial property.

Developer Priority Sites has completed its first hybrid scheme in Kent. The £3.6m Concept Court, on the Shearway Business Park in Folkestone, is a 50-50 mix of office and warehousing/manufacturing space.

The speculative building is near junction 13 of the M20, and close to the Channel Tunnel terminal. It has 10 units of 3,000 to 5,000 sq ft that can be combined to make units of up to 20,000 sq ft.

Paul Barber, chief executive of Priority Sites, a joint venture company founded in 1997 and owned by the Royal Bank of Scotland and English Partnerships, said: "Our hybrid schemes in other parts of the country were highly successful and we are sure this development will do equally well.

"The quality of the units is first class and we expect to attract companies from outside the area."

Nick Marston, senior asset manager for the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), said: "This scheme will bring approximately 80 full-time jobs to the area and will mean a significant boost for the local economy.

"The demand for business space in this area is high and the completion of these units will increase the range of accommodation available to potential occupiers at Shearway Business Park."

Cllr Shirley Newlands, Shepway Council Cabinet member for Economic Development, said: "There is a shortage of good quality office/warehouse units in Shepway, with many of the district’s industrial estates continuing to enjoy occupancy levels of around 90 per cent and more.

"This development by Priority Sites, which was encouraged by Shepway Council, is providing exciting opportunities for local businesses to expand, and for new businesses to move into Folkestone.

"The development is a welcome addition to Shearway Business Park, which is attracting a lot of interest from inward investors."

Priority Sites was founded in 1997.