Thanet’s business community is hoping China is on the verge of coming to Kent. Key decisions are expected soon which could put the China Gateway project – promising 3,000 new local jobs – on schedule to open next year. In the pipeline is the planning application to Thanet District Council for the first phase of the project at Manston Business Park – and a decision will be thrashed out in the near future. In fact, David Foley, chief executive of Thanet and East Chamber, said: “Following a visit to the Commercial Group Properties (CGP) office at Manston last week, I have been briefed to let members (of the chamber) know that planning permission for the first phase of development of the China Gateway is expected very shortly.” But Rob Prince, operations manager of CGP, stressed that its application was currently the subject of the full planning process and that the outcome would not be known for some time. He added that the company continues to hold consultation meetings with residents to ensure their opinions are taken into consideration. Half of the business park is owned by a TDC-Kent County Council joint venture, and the other half by CGP. Delegations have visited China and seen a number of big firms keen to come to Kent. Chinamex, the Chinese government’s official arm for globalising the massive country’s industry, already has initial provisional agreements to come to Kent, as part of a drive to bring a number of large Chinese firms to Manston. Meantime, Mr Foley said: “It promises an eventual 1,000 jobs on site and double that number among local suppliers or products and services. The key word here is ‘local’. “The first phase of the project has been carefully planned by local people in a local partnership of stakeholders from the public and private sectors – all of them with a long-standing commitment to Thanet. “Companies will no longer be obliged to send their representatives to Beijing or Shanghai to view Chinese goods – Manston will provide a showcase to attract buyers to a range of hi-tech products. “The influx of visitors from Europe and mainland Britain should provide a boost to local traders unrivalled since the heyday of seaside holidays.” He said every sector from taxis to employment agencies, hotels and related services, retailers and providers of professional services will benefit. He echoed recent political statements that this is a once-in-a-generation opportunity. However, Mr Foley said he recognises some residents and nature groups do have anxieties about the project – and he stressed the chamber “will be the first to shout if environmental concerns are ignored or overridden.” He added: “If Thanet is to retain its status as the fastest growing area of Kent, it is projects such as the China Gateway that will help stem the outflow of young people and provide worthwhile, sustainable employment in the future.”
POSTED: 18/05/2008 04:00:00
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