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Discovery Park Enterprise Zone in East Kent has been awarded more than £6 million to transform buildings and create labs. 

The share in a £100 million nationwide infrastructure fund is designed to stimulate job creation – the zone’s target is 3,000 by 2017 - and even faster growth, Discovery Park, the former Pfizer site near Sandwich, will invest the money in the refurbishment, redesign and fitting out of three vacant buildings – or parts of buildings – for employment use. 

The decision was being confirmed today (January 29) by Stephen Williams, the Communities Minister, during a visit to the park. He will be holding talks with park managing director Paul Barber, touring the site and meeting leaders of Pfizer and Algaecytes, two major science sector tenants. 

The Minister was due to see the buildings where the money will be spent. 

Speaking ahead of his planned visit, Mr Wiliams said: “Enterprise Zones are at the centre of our long-term economic plans to build a stronger, more competitive business environment and a better future for Britain” 

“This funding will give these areas the infrastructure they need to attract more investment, support the growth of local businesses and create up to 3,000 jobs for hardworking people across the country.” 

Paul Barber said: "Access to this funding gives us the green light to refurbish and redesign three buildings, which were originally meant for a single company; once completed, the buildings will offer a range of offices and labs, to conference space and meeting rooms. This investment in Discovery Park will particularly allow us to address demand in the growing life sciences sector. 

The funding was awarded following a competitive bidding process, which was supported by Dover District Council and Kent County Council. Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said:

“Discovery Park has made excellent progress in delivering new businesses, jobs and investment. Today’s news is another sign of confidence in the Dover district, creating new opportunities for life science businesses to set up or expand by bringing state-of-the-art facilities back into use.” 

Paul Carter CBE, leader of Kent County Council, said: ‘Kent County Council has already allocated £7.3 million from its Expansion East Kent fund to help eight companies set up and expand their businesses at Discovery Park creating more than 400 jobs. 

“Today’s announcement from Government of new infrastructure funding for the Discovery Park Enterprise Zone will boost the potential for even more employment opportunities.’ 

Discovery Park, one of the largest business parks in Europe, is now home to 68 companies employing 1,242 people. The zone is expected to create 3,000 jobs by 2017. 

Its focus on science and technology has created an ideal location for emerging and established companies in biotechnology, life sciences and pharmaceuticals. Pfizer continues to play an important role at the site, with more than 600 staff working on the latest medical research.

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