the pfizer site , sandwich

Pfizer confirms discussions with interested parties

Drugs giant Pfizer is in new talks over the sale of the high-tech Sandwich Discovery Park.

It follows the breakdown of exclusive discussions with a consortium led by property company London and Metropolitan last month. Other potential buyers are now in talks with Pfizer bosses, with hopes the new owner will rent business units to a number of high tech firms.

A Pfizer spokeswoman would not give details due to commercial reasons, but confirmed the company was in new talks with other interested parties.

Last month it was revealed the period of exclusivity between the drugs firm and London and Metropolitan had ended after the two parties were unable to agree commercial terms. But Pfizer said it remained focused on the sale of the park.

The area received a major blow last year when Pfizer announced it would be withdrawing from Sandwich, affecting 2,400 staff. But more than 800 jobs were eventually retained and the site was granted Enterprise Zone status to encourage businesses to move to the park through incentives including tax breaks and lenient planning laws. East Kent also received £40 million of the Government’s Regional Growth Fund to help existing and new firms, and improve rail links.