THE expansion of Kent Science Park in Sittingbourne has received the backing of technology and inward investment firm ANGLE Technology.

ANGLE Technology, an international consultancy which specialises in technology-based industries and is a member of the UK Science Park Association, described KSP as: "The most successful and significant innovation initiative in the entire Thames Gateway, in terms of economic development outputs related to jobs and businesses."

Dr Rob Walker of ANGLE Technology further describes the 22-hectare site as "a successful major science park with an outstanding record of growth."

The praise for KSP, which is currently home to 85 companies employing a total of more than 960 staff, comes as the expansion of the development is discussed at the Examination in Public of the Kent & Medway Structure Plan.

Proposals to expand the Park would see the development of a sustainable mixed-use community, including a 50-hectare science park, alongside a 54-hectare country park and 103 hectares of new housing and a £23m Sittingbourne Southern Relief Road linking the M2 to the A2.

The proposed expansion has received support from Locate in Kent, which has calculated that the Park is home to 12.7 per cent of Kent's Life Science companies, including an outreach facility for Pfizer.

Paul Wookey, Locate in Kent's chief executive, said: "Kent Science Park is of regional and national significance. It has the potential to make a significant economic contribution to the balanced development of Swale and Thames Gateway Kent by providing a focus for science-based and high-value knowledge-based companies.

"Its expansion will increase the number of employees in Kent's knowledge-based industries and, more importantly, Swale, as well as providing high quality employment opportunities which will help attract and retain high-skilled individuals, including graduates, in the area."

Research by Locate in Kent shows that 69 per cent of the total employment at KSP is within knowledge based industries, which includes research, bio-technology, environmental technologies, ICT and, life sciences. Of those employed at KSP, 88 per cent live in Kent, with 56 per cent coming from the Sittingbourne area.

Nick Sharp, site director at KSP, said: "We welcome this vote of confidence in what we are trying to achieve in Sittingbourne.

“It strengthens our resolve to deliver an expanded science park that will significantly improve the economy of Swale and Thames Gateway and assist in the wider regeneration of the area.”

Recent investments at Kent Science Park have seen the strengthening of its links with the county's universities.

In August a joint Bio-Hatchery facility was launched in partnership with the University of Kent Canterbury and supported by Business Link Kent. The Bio-Hatchery will provide an important facility for incubation businesses at Kent Science Park and, the SEEDA-supported Enterprise Hub, particularly in the bio-science sector.