A NEW business park is expected to create more than 1,000 jobs in Maidstone. Eclipse, a 15-acre site close to junction 7 of the M20, is likely to be home to scores of firms wanting to grow in what its developers claim is an ideal location with easy access to Europe via the Channel Tunnel, the M25 and London.

The site, developed by Chestergate Estates and promoted by joint agents King Sturge in London and Page and Wells, Maidstone, has consent for a mixture of commercial uses including offices, hi-tech enterprises, light and general industrial operations.

Developers have launched a campaign to promote the site, hoping it will appeal to investors wanting to grow in the county town.

Cllr Dan Daley, Maidstone council's portfolio holder for economic development and tourism, gave his seal of approval after visiting the site. He said: "Eclipse represents one of the most important business development opportunities to come to the market in this area in recent years."

"Eclipse is a natural progression of the development of high quality mixed use employment generators at junction 7 of the M20," said John Taylor, of Page and Wells. "This location is rapidly emerging as the most important highway intersection to the south east of the congested M25."

Located next to the Hilton Hotel Conference complex and Newnham Court Shopping Village, Eclipse is two minutes from junction 7.