KENT Science Park has held the first public exhibition of development plans to make significant changes to the former Sittingbourne Research Centre and surrounding countryside.

The park's expansion is part of the Government's vision for creating new sustainable communities in the South East and the plans will expand the region's ability to foster more scientific industry, business growth and economic prosperity.

At the public exhibition held at The Woodstock Club, Sittingbourne residents were able to see how these ideas are being translated and what benefits an expanded park will bring to the community.

Planners outlined the expanded borders of the Science Park, which they hope will attract nearly 200 new businesses and provide 5000 extra jobs. Also explained were the residential and community facilities that will be created around the park and the planned Southern Relief Road and M2 junction which will server the area.

Simon Reynolds, project director for Lasalle Investment Management, the Park’s owners, said: "The potential for this project to contribute to the local community is huge.

“The development is a flagship project in the regeneration of the Thames Gateway and a great deal of thought and planning has gone into the project."

Mr Reynolds said it was vital some kind of expansion was carried out at the park because successful growth by current tenants was already stretching its land resources.

He added: "Science-based companies do expand quickly and KSP is already operating at maximum capacity with our tenants asking for more space.”

But Mr Reynolds and the project's planners can expect a difficult passage when getting the plans approved and will face opposition from residents affected by the proposals.