2022 started positively for Discovery Park after it announced that more than 50 new companies had been attracted to the science, technology and innovation park. Highlights in 2021 included the arrival of global power solutions provider Cummins, which relocated 200 staff from its former base in Thanet, taking 16,500 sq ft of office space.
One of the drivers for the growth is from businesses looking for high quality laboratory space and the lack of it in London.
Eleven of the companies to make Discovery Park their home were attracted by the flexible leasing and small offices in the Start Up Zone, with space for them to expand as the companies grow.
Science and Technology Innovation Hub
Discovery Park is one of Europe’s leading science and technology business parks with:
- 1.5 million sq. ft. of world class laboratory
- R&D facilities
- premium office space, and
- bespoke warehousing.
It is home to over 160 companies, from international pharmaceutical companies to biotech entrepreneurs, and employs 3500 people.
Major tenants include:
- Pfizer
- Cummins
- Viatris (USA)
- GeneaBiomedx (Australia)
- Concept Life Sciences
- HyPoint Ltd, Tetrad Discovery
- Transpharmation, LGC
- BSPG
- Unilabs York Bioanalytical Solutions
High tech laboratory space
Discovery Park has announced plans to refurbish 50,000 sq. ft. to provide incubator laboratory and write-up to accommodate early stage and scale-up life science businesses.
Education is a growing focus, with Canterbury Christ Church University’s on-site Life Science Industry Liaison Laboratory linking academia with on-site science businesses carrying out pioneering research.
The site benefits from a Dover District Council Local Development Order with simplified planning.
Business Services
The wider community at Discovery Park includes a range of professional and support services for business, from accountants to patent attorneys – with space for business of all sizes from start-up to global headquarters.
Biomass Plant
The £160m combined heat and power renewable energy plans is the first of its kind at a UK science park. The plant produces 27MW of green electricity, supplying heat and power to Discovery Park and exports electricity to supply the equivalent of 50,000 homes to the national grid, saving over 100,000 tons of CO2 every year.
Thanet Parkway
Thanet Parkway will increase rail connectivity between East Kent, London and the wider Kent area by providing access to mainline and high speed services. The project will provide access to more employment opportunities for local residents. It will also improve investment opportunities at Discovery Park and surrounding business parks in Thanet.
Place to Live and Work
Discovery Park is more than a science and technology park. It is a key part of the ongoing regeneration of Dover District with the emerging Thanet Parkway, offering even faster links to London. With up to 500 new homes planned, it will be a great place to live too.