East Kent College is set to open a new campus at Discovery Park in Sandwich.

The further education college will be teaching its science curriculum at the former Pfizer site on Ramsgate Road.

Students and staff will have the opportunity to use industry standard laboratories based at the science and business park.

This will include an 5,390 sq ft office and training space at Innovation House as well as a laboratory space.

East Kent College plans to take over from K College in August, and already has three campuses in Dover, Folkestone and Broadstairs. The Thanet campus, including its team of 70, will be relocating to Sandwich, and the empty office space will be used as a further training and admin facility.

Graham Razey, principal of East Kent College, said: “This move marks an important step in our plans to create a further education college that truly reflects our commitment to serving the whole of East Kent.

"We hope that it sends a strong message to students, their parents and businesses that East Kent College is determined to deliver for this part of the county.”

There will be no head campus as each one will have a management team responsible for daily operations.

The decision has been welcomed by Paul Barber, managing director of Discovery Park.

He 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 others expertise. East Kent College will be a fantastic addition to our community.”

As well as students being able to access science facilities the hope is that this new venture will also help to establish links with the 80 businesses on-site, offering training, students placements and apprenticeships.