Green Technology site for Betteshanger

Hadlow College Unveils Plans for Former Betteshanger Colliery

In a speech today at the House of Commons, Hadlow College has revealed its £40m plan to bring future global solutions in green technologies to the site of the former Betteshanger Colliery, near Dover.

The development, which will bring up to 1,000 jobs to East Kent and create a centre for green technology business, a national centre of sustainable energy and mining heritage, as well as enhance tourism to the area, has taken four years of planning and preparation.  Work on the site will commence in three phases in 2014 and culminate in a new national eco-tourism visitor centre for over 100,000 visitors per annum at the Betteshanger Sustainable Energy and Mining Heritage Park.

This scheme, which has widespread support from both local and national government, as well as the community, is backed by £11m public sector investment and £29m of private sector funds.  Commenting on the project as a whole, including the positive effects it will have on the local community, Mark Lumsdon-Taylor, the Director of Finance and Resources at the College, stated that “the scheme will create opportunities for the district as well as re-engage individuals into the heritage and legacy of coal mining in East Kent.  It is the start of an exciting program of development and I very much hope you will all share in the success and future of Betteshanger Sustainable Parks.”

For more information on Betteshanger Sustainable Parks, including how to invest or to register for details of the local jobs, please visit the website.