A consultation has been launched to gauge people's views on the economic future as the borough emerges from the coronavirus crisis.

Setting out a vision for the coming decade, the economic development strategy for Maidstone and the surrounding area seeks to plot a course towards economic growth and recovery from the massive hit caused by Covid-19.

Drawn up by planning and development consultants Lichfields on behalf of Maidstone Borough Council (MBC), the proposal includes the ambition to make the County Town the ‘Business Capital of Kent’ by 2030.

The document has been produced during a period of significant economic uncertainty because of the pandemic, but one estimate suggest the blow to the local economy could be equivalent to £575 million and 4,000 jobs across the borough in 2020.

John Foster, head of regeneration and economic development at MBC, said: "A great deal has changed since the council adopted its previous economic development strategy in 2014.

"Going forward we need to reposition our growth strategy to take advantage of changing economic circumstances and the challenges and opportunities posed by the pandemic.

"These include ensuring all our communities can benefit from economic growth, supporting our entrepreneurial residents to start up and grow their businesses, working towards a greener more productive economy, realising the potential of our rural economy and critically, ensuring Maidstone town centre has a bright future.

"It is unlikely that pre-pandemic patterns of activity will return in the same way..."

"To develop this strategy we have engaged with a wide range of organisations, encouraging new ideas to come forward and collaboration to take place.

"This has involved a series of workshops with key stakeholders, elected members and local businesses to gain a better understanding of business needs, economic issues and growth opportunities. We welcome all views on the new strategy."

Viticulture - the wine growing industry - is a particular opportunity, according to the draft strategy, with Kent increasingly growing a global reputation for the quality of its produce and the opportunity for wine tourism.

Industry figures have welcomed the recognition of the role his industry can play in creating more jobs in rural communities.

Like towns across the nation, Maidstone has not been immune to the changes in behaviour which have seen many swap the high street for the convenience of online shopping, and the strategy does admit "it is unlikely that pre-pandemic patterns of activity will return in the same way" once the threat of the coronavirus ebbs away.

However, as the borough’s economic hub, the vision is to revitalise the town by promoting an "open for business" brand which encourages more smaller firms and start-ups to locate in the area.

Recent years have seen the borough's stock of business space gradually decline, with local office space falling by 17% between 2001 and 2019, driven recently by the trend for offices to be converted to housing under liberalised planning regulations.

To participate in the consultation - which is open until July 7 - click here

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