June 23, 2016
Work has begun on a new £140 million biomass, renewable energy plant, which will eventually produce all the power and heat requirements for Discovery Park.
BWSC one of the world’s leading power plant contractors took possession of the development site this month marking the start of a project that will take around two years to complete.
It will create 300 jobs during its construction phase and 30 full time jobs once operational. Biomass fuel will be sourced from various wood types, including coppice grown locally in Kent and East Sussex and will help to reduce the site’s carbon footprint.
Paul Barber, Managing Director, Discovery Park, said: “Discovery Park has from the start been a place for innovation and we have been successful in building on that past success over the past four years.
“The agreement to press ahead with the new biomass energy plant, not only represents a major investment in the site, but puts the park in the unique position of being supplied with a reliable source of green energy.
“The new biomass plant, is a vital part of ensuring the site’s ongoing success – part of a number of investments and ongoing work that will not only create jobs and prosperity for East Kent but increases its sustainability too.”
“Four years in and things are gathering pace at Discovery Park with the marketing of the first phase of homes later this summer, and return of manufacturing to the site, including new production buildings for Instro Precision and OFP Timber Framed Homes Ltd.
The start of work on the new biomass plant coincides with a step up in activity on site with Instro Precision’s 46,000 sq ft new manufacturing plant taking shape over the coming month ahead of a January 2017 launch.
The move for the security systems specialist secures 100 existing jobs with a further 50 jobs expected to be created.
Works on the west site development land have also begun with a new 20,000 sq ft unit for specialist timber frame company, OFP Timber Framed Homes Ltd, safeguarding 40 jobs.
Author: Lee Winter, Pillory Barn