A simplified planning process is now in place at a pioneering new business park in Medway.
Innovation Park Medway (IPM) is a prime development in north Kent, offering excellent transport links, networking opportunities and the chance for businesses to grow.
The site is expected to become a magnet for high value technology, engineering, manufacturing and knowledge intensive businesses.
IPM is at Rochester Airport and forms part of the pioneering North Kent Enterprise Zone. It offers up to 100,000m2 of high quality, innovative commercial space in a prime spot between London and the continent.
Businesses looking to relocate or expand will be able to submit a proposal for a building at IPM and, following a seven-day validation period, it will only take 28-days to receive permission. Building will be able to begin once infrastructure works have been completed, including the access roads and utilities. These works are anticipated to be completed next year.
Businesses wishing to express an interest in locating to the site are encouraged to contact our marketing agents, Harrisons, by emailing ipm@harrisons.property.
The quick turnaround of proposals is due to our adoption of the Local Development Order (LDO) for IPM in December 2020. The LDO sets out the planning framework for the area to help bring forward development through a self-certification process. This means that businesses and developers do not have to submit a full planning application if they are compliant with the LDO and are looking to relocate or start a new business at the site, instead they can submit a proposal within the LDO’s criteria.
Part of the site at IPM is within Tonbridge and Malling’s boundary. Tonbridge & Malling Borough Council has also been working on a LDO, which is due to be considered for adoption early this year.
Businesses located in Innovation Park Medway will be part of the North Kent Enterprise Zone community and have access to world-class research and development, as well as highly skilled talent through the four Medway based universities and two colleges. IPM also has the potential to offer state-of-the-art meeting and conference space, business facilities and opportunities for networking.
Fantastic opportunity for businesses to grow
Leader of Medway Council, Cllr Alan Jarrett, said: “I am delighted at the speed Innovation Park Medway is being delivered and that businesses can now express their interest in applying for high-quality commercial space. This new, exciting business park provides a fantastic opportunity for local businesses to grow. We are committed to helping businesses in Medway thrive and are proud that Medway is the biggest regeneration zone within the Thames Gateway, as well as one of the most promising growth areas in the south-east. I would encourage business to submit their proposals quickly as the site is expected to become a magnet for high value technology, engineering, manufacturing and knowledge intensive businesses.”