Investment in Kent can Fuel Britain's Economic Growth

The case for making real estate investments in Kent are rehearsed. We can all point to the region’s unique strategic location, sandwiched between London, the greatest city in the world and the EU, the largest single market.

Kent is the UK’s key gateway for trade and transportation with continental Europe. It is home to the fastest connection between the UK and Europe through the Channel Tunnel and the busiest ferry port in Europe, Dover. Kent’s international trade connections aren’t just with continental Europe. Thamesport, Tilbury and London Gateway are our global sea bridges to Asia.

Often overlooked because of our region’s legacy moniker of the ‘Garden of England,’ Kent in fact has a diverse economy with significant employment sectors such as manufacturing, logistics, pharmaceuticals agriculture, tourism and creative industries.

Investing in research and innovation in Kent is leading to technological advancements, knowledge transfer and the development of skilled talent. In addition to supporting these innovations, Kent’s educational institutions, including our formidable Further Education network, the University of Kent and the University of Greenwich, are improving productivity through creating our skilled workforce. Canterbury Christ Church University is the best in the country at delivering graduate employment.

To continue being the leading contributor to UK Plc, Kent needs investment in in its transportation infrastructure. For sure we have the UK’s only high speed train service and one of the fastest growing broadband and 5G networks, but we need another six lane motorway and a permanent solution for coping when our strategic ports are at capacity. The M20 and M25 are marvels of modern highway engineering. Only blighted when something unexpected happens at the ports or Thames crossing Dartford.

Reduced congestion and improved road infrastructure will enable smoother and faster movement of goods nationally. Reducing transportation costs and enhancing trade competitiveness. This can lead to increased exports, imports, and overall trade volumes, contributing to nationwide GDP growth.

An automated lorry parking and processing facility at Dover and the widening of the M2 with modernised junctions would facilitate easier access to markets, attract investment nationally and encourage businesses to establish or expand their operations in the region.

Specifically, a renaissance of the M2 would

·?????? Unlock 10,000 new jobs to go with the 10,000 new homes Medway intend to see built on the Hoo Peninsula at junction 1 for Strood and 3 at the top of Bluebell Hill. These will be at the former Kingsnorth and Grain power stations and on another industrial estate we are working on developing with one of our Kent Developer Group partners.

·?????? Open up the Lidsing Garden Community proposal including 100 acres of new employment land at junction 4.

·?????? Bring forward the long awaited Highsted Park, the game changing Kent Science Park expansion scheme and unlock currently unviable industrial land south of Sittingbourne.

·?????? Enable the Duchy of Cornwall to build on the outskirts of Faversham at junction 6 with out adding the overburdened junction 7.

·?????? Cut delivery times and congestion by modernising the A2 from Canterbury to Dover.

This is all without the Lower Thames Crossing mega investment. Better infrastructure delivers more business investments by employers that trade globally which leads to job creation, higher tax revenues and UK economic growth.

Making the M2 motorway six lanes is technically feasible. Of course, it will require a comprehensive assessment of engineering considerations, cost implications and traffic demand. Equally, as a parent, I never underestimate the importance of the environment. Road expansion projects need to consider the potential environmental impact, including noise pollution, air pollution, and effects on local habitats and ecosystems. Environmental assessments and mitigation strategies would need to be undertaken to minimise negative effects and ensure environmental regulation compliance.

Under the RIS framework, Highways England outlines its strategic objectives, investment priorities, and funding allocations for a specific five-year period. The investment horizon allows Highways England to plan and deliver a range of initiatives and projects, including major road enhancements. It provides a structured approach to address infrastructure needs, prioritize investment and deliver long-term improvements to the road network. Some of the required investment can be recovered through s106 agreements from the developers that are likely to benefit the most. Just as Kent did successfully for Ashford’s junction 10a, on a local scale.

The next RIS, known as RIS3, covers the period from 2025 to 2030. Now is the time for our politicians to influence Highways England on their vision for Kent.

The benefit of unlocking growth through investing in Kent’s infrastructure isn’t just for our region, it is for the whole country. Government can leverage our region’s strategic location, diverse economy and potential for growth to boost the UK’s GDP and deliver its levelling up agenda; Creating jobs, improving infrastructure and enhancing the region's economic competitiveness. Investing in Kent will reduce the gap between economically prosperous areas and regions that have traditionally been left behind, fostering more inclusive growth and prosperity.

You can read more about the case for investing in the Kent Medway Region in the Locate in Kent Investment Prospectus by clicking here>>

I am Kent’s Investment Director. I work with businesses and property developers to make Kent an even more appealing place to work and grow businesses. Click here for his contact details >>