Canterbury Innovation Centre
13 July 2009
The Canterbury Innovation Centre, based on the University of Kent’s campus, is a joint project between SEEDA, University of Kent and the East Kent Spatial Development Company (EKSDC). The centre, due to open in November, will provide 2,300 sq m (25,000 sq ft) of offices, studios and workshops for high growth, innovative businesses.
The idea behind the new centre is to help businesses access specific university and graduate skills they need, primarily in research and development, to further develop their business offer. By actively supporting innovation and entrepreneurship in the South East through the exchange of ideas, knowledge and skills, the centre will help rejuvenate the local economy and create new jobs.
There has been a lot of interest from companies in securing space within the new development. The centre has been designed with sustainability in mind and as a result is generating strong interest from businesses in the environmental technology sector.
Lee Amor, Executive Director of Development at SEEDA said: "Canterbury Innovation Centre will provide an ideal environment for businesses to establish themselves and grow, making the most of the knowledge and skills that the local universities are generating. Transferring knowledge into successful innovative businesses is key to driving the South East's economy out of recession. I am delighted that SEEDA is supporting its partners to deliver this important project."
Debbie Spalding of EKSDC, the company building the Centre, said: "The Innovation Centre will have such a positive effect on economic development in Kent. The prospect of attracting enterprises to the area, working alongside our local businesses, proves how ambitious Kent is in driving innovation in the region."
For more information about the Centre, please click here.
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