New Romney site set on the future
A six-hectare plot of land in New Romney looks set for a bright future attracting new businesses and creating more jobs on Romney Marsh.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council and Magnox Ltd have jointly funded studies to look at best options to exploit the potential of the council-owned site at Mountfield Road in New Romney.
The studies will look at what utilities and infrastructure are needed, the costs of developing plots, designing and building space for expanding businesses, as well as options for a new business hub and skills centre.
Depending on the outcomes, it could, when developed, provide up to 20,000 square metres of new space for up to 40 businesses and 700 jobs.
The council is contributing £35,000 towards the project and this is being match-funded by a £35,000 grant from Magnox Ltd through its socio-economic fund.
“This shows our determination to strengthen the economy of the Marsh, support businesses and create jobs for local people,” said Cllr John Collier, Shepway’s Cabinet Member for District Economy.
Haf Morris from Magnox said: “The potential output from this project fits with the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority’s aim to mitigate the socio-economic impact in this area. It’s also important not to work in isolation and working with the Romney Marsh Partnership and Folkestone and Hythe District Council on this and other projects is key to a successful outcome. We look forward to reviewing the final reports and the next steps.”
Cllr Roger Wilkins, Chairman of the Romney Marsh Partnership, said: “The Romney Marsh Partnership brings together the public and private sector to help build a strong economy for the Marsh. Mountfield Road is a key employment site and this work is a major step forward.”
The Romney Marsh Partnership (RMP) was formed in response to the decommissioning of the Magnox nuclear power station at Dungeness, and aims to secure a strong economy for the area. Bringing together organisations from the public, private and voluntary sectors in Kent and East Sussex, RMP has already helped to secure major funding for economic projects on the Marsh.
