Thanet's Economy

What does this mean?

• Thriving coastal towns with unique identities: Focussing regeneration efforts to build on the strengths, unique identities and visitor economy of Thanet’s towns.
• An Integrated Transport Hub: Improved transport links within Thanet and across Kent, the south east and Europe, maximising opportunities created by the port and the airport.
• Available Employment Opportunities: Increase the number of employment opportunities through supporting existing and new employers.
• Employable Workforce: Work with our partners to enable people in Thanet to be “work ready” and have the skills necessary to be able to access job opportunities.

Why is this important?

• Thanet is one of the most economically deprived districts in the south east;

• Unemployment levels in Thanet are nearly twice those of the south east as a whole (5.8% vs 3%);

• Average wage levels remain below the south east average;

• People in Thanet are generally not as well qualified as people across the rest of the south east;

• Job prospects are ranked as a high priority by Thanet residents.

What are we going to do?

Key projects

• Support the Margate Renewal Programme through the delivery of key developments in central Margate and Cliftonville: Turner Contemporary; Neighbourhood Plan. (Start: Apr 07 - Finish: Mar 11)

• Complete the Pathway to Turner Project delivering improvements to the Margate approaches and nearby infrastructure. (Start: Apr 10 - Mar 11)

• Produce a response to the Airport Master Plan. (Start: Oct 08 - Finish: Aug 10)
• Complete Ramsgate Marina dredging and clean up programme and repairs to yacht basin pontoons. (Start: Apr 10 - Finish: Mar 11)
• Develop a Business Plan setting out the future for Ramsgate Port (and Harbour) to enable the port and marina in Ramsgate to be successful. (Start: Mar 08 - Finish: Mar 11)
• Deliver the Thanet Work and Skills Plan with partners, helping local people find employment. (Apr 08 - Mar 11)

Key commitments

• The Council is committed to supporting inward investment at Eurokent and Manston Business parks and will continue to ensure that Thanet’s interests are represented on the East Kent Opportunities Board.
• The Council is committed to the improvement of transport links within Thanet and will continue to lobby strongly for further improved rail journey times to and from London and will also continue to lobby the Kent highways agency to improve the local road infrastructure.

Next page: Safe Neighbourhoods

Previous page: Foreword 

• Foreword
• Thanet's Economy
• Safe Neighbourhoods
• Beautiful Thanet
• Quality Housing
• Healthy Communities
• Modern Council

Sarah Carroll

Corporate Resources Manager

E-mail: sarah.carroll@thanet.gov.uk

Tel: 01843 577188