BUSINESS
BUSINESS NEWS T
he saga of former Manston Airport’s future has taken a further twist, as the Government has confi rmed it will continue to be used in support of the M20’s Operation Stack. Following last summer’s gridlocked motorway conditions that cost businesses in the region millions in lost trade and delays, two potential options for a lorry park have been put forward – including a site near Hythe. But ahead of any decision on
a future facility, Transport Minister Andrew Jones has confi rmed the former airport – which is expected to become a mixed-use housing and commercial development – will serve as a temporary lorry park until December 2017. Kent MP Tom Tugendhat said: “I very much welcome this announcement by the Government. It provides certainty to residents across Kent who can
Compiled by Neill Barston
@CanterburyIndex Next stage for Op Stack?
remember the level of disruption caused this time last year across our roads.
“Manston Airport is a sensible location, close enough to the Port of Dover to allow the M20 to remain open in Mid Kent. With two motorways passing through my constituency, I understand the importance of this strategic route. When closed, it brings chaos to our local communities. This announcement will ensure this should happen when Operation Stack is in force.”
DIARY DATES NETWORKING EVENTS
• Wednesday 1st, 15th & 29th June, 6.30am, Canterbury Business over Breakfast Club at Howfi eld Manor, Howfi eld Lane, Chartham Hatch CT4 7HQ. The group is looking for new members in a range of professional trades for its bi-weekly networking group. Visit
www.bobclubs.com
Pavilion set for major revamp
The former Royal Pavilion in Ramsgate is to be rejuvenated with plans for JD Wetherspoon to lease the site. A total of 70 jobs are to be created with the £4.5 million project to regenerate the Grade II listed building, which will also feature additional new retail facilities. Crucially, the council has now gained guarantees that any alterations to the site must recognise its historic status, and have an accordingly sympathetic design. Director of Community Services for Thanet District Council, Rob Kenyon, said: “The Pavilion is a signifi cant building in a prime seafront location so this is wonderful news for Ramsgate. With the derelict site now formally transferred it means that work can begin on this multi-million pound scheme,
• Each Thursday morning, between 7am and 8.30am, Whitstable Business Club, The Beach Cafe, Beach Walk CT5 2BP. This group has been devised as an informal weekly networking session to exchange ideas and swap potential leads. Visit www.
whitstablebusinessclub.co.uk
The Royal Pavilion in 2006 © Penny Mayes
which will also see the creation of new jobs to the town. “We have been working closely with
JD Wetherspoon to ensure that plans for the redevelopment are in keeping with the historic status of the building. The state of the current building is likely to mean work will take some time to complete, but we’re delighted to be a part of helping to start to breathe new life into this important part of Ramsgate.”
• Wednesday 22nd June, between 6pm and 7.30pm, Canterbury’s After Hours Club, Canterbury College, Dover Road CT1 3AJ, offers a casual networking environment. This free event is open to members and non-members. Visit www.
kentinvictachamber.co.uk
• Tuesday 28th June, between 6pm and 7.30pm, After Hours Club, Aspen House, West Terrace, Folkestone CT20 1TH. A free event open to members and non-members offering relaxed networking. Visit www.
kentinvictachamber.co.uk
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www.indexmagazine.co.uk getting married? –
www.planningyourwedding.co.uk
Image licensed by Ingram Image
Operation Stack being implemented on the M20 motorway near Dover Photograph © Barry Davis
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