Plans for a multi-million-pound green technology hub have been officially unveiled.
The brainchild of Hadlow College, Betteshanger Sustainable Parks is earmarked for construction on the 121-hectare ex-Betteshanger Colliery near Dover, in Kent.
The bid could generate up to 1,000 jobs in its £40m first phase, which - subject to planning permission - will see the creation of a hub for green technology firms integrated with educational provision.
Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, director of finance and resources at Hadlow College, said: “The supply of incubator space for green technology firms and the food and drink industry is critical for Kent to build on its proximity to international markets in Europe, London and globally via Manston Airport.
'Working with the enterprise zone and the local enterprise partnership’s priorities, we will ensure that we bring education, skills and business together promoting the green technology credentials this park represents.”
The first phase of the scheme is backed by £11 million in public sector investment, of which £6 million is confirmed, and £29 million of ‘private’ funding, which hinges on planning approval.
If Dover District Council gives the bid the go-ahead, with the application due to be heard in spring 2014, work on the first phase could commence in summer 2014.
This phase, expected to take five years to be built, will see the development of a complex comprising 6,700 sq metres of low carbon buildings for ‘green’ firms in food security and environmental technology. The site will act as a catalyst for new markets, technologies and products.
Subject to approval, the second phase of the project will see a world-class research and development centre being built. This will also provide further education opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate researchers.
The third phase of the scheme would then see a new national eco-tourism visitor centre for mining heritage and sustainable energy production, set within an innovative ‘landscape laboratory’.
Lumsdon-Taylor hopes the site will showcase innovative green technology for fresh produce, and “future-proof” the industry by delivering students into jobs spanning the hierarchy of horticulture companies.
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