The masterplan for the £400m regeneration of Queenborough and Rushenden has been formally adopted by Swale council.

Councillors gave their backing to the scheme last night, which sets out a vision for up to 2,000 new homes, 2 million sqft of employment space, new healthcare and education facilities, a marina and open spaces.

Led by South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), in partnership with Kent County Council and Swale council, the project is to be realised over the next 10-15 years.

It will create around 3,000 jobs with many more generated throughout the construction process.

SEEDA’s Senior Development Executive Nick Young said: “The masterplan is the result of five years of detailed site analysis, planning and extensive consultation with the community and key stakeholders.

“Its formal approval brings us a vital step closer to realising the vision for a revitalised Queenborough and Rushenden - bringing jobs and boosting the local economy, connecting neighbourhoods, improving education and local amenities, as well as enhancing the area’s historical and ecological qualities.”

Queenborough and Rushenden Regeneration is one of the largest planned development schemes in Swale, made possible by the completion of the Sheppey Crossing.

Swale council Leader Andrew Bowles said: “The masterplan has attracted much public interest and achieved wide community support and its adoption is good news for local people who are keen to see the proposals become a reality.

“We are very pleased with central Government’s continuing interest in and commitment to the area, demonstrated most recently by a visit from Shahid Malik MP.

"Mr Malik was impressed with progress to-date and applauded the ongoing involvement of the community, including local schools, which has from the outset been at the heart of the project.”

The new Rushenden Link Road, a critical component of the masterplan, is currently under construction. Due for completion in 2011 it will connect the A249 with Neats Court - the main employment area identified in the scheme - and redirect heavy goods traffic away from residential areas, providing a much safer and healthier environment.

Residents and businesses are invited to view the final masterplan for Queenborough and Rushenden and talk to the partners involved on Thursday, December 3.

Two 'drop-in’ sessions are taking place at The Gateway Community Centre, Rushenden Road, from 12pm to 2pm and from 6pm to 8pm.