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.
• Available Employment Opportunities: Increase the number of employment opportunities through supporting existing and new employers.
• Employable Workforce: Ensure that people in Thanet are “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 more than twice that of the south east as a whole (3.6% vs 1.6%);
• Average wage levels remain below the south east average;
• On average people in Thanet are not as well qualified than people across the rest of the south east;
• Job prospects have been ranked as a much higher priority by Thanet residents than residents of other districts.

How will we measure success?

What are we going to do?

The following projects are the key pieces of work we are going to carry out over the next three years, over and above our general day to day activities.

Thriving Coastal Towns with unique identities

• Support the Margate Renewal Programme, by playing an active role in the Margate Renewal Partnership and leading the delivery of key projects  (Start: Apr 07 - Finish: Mar 11)
• Develop area action plans for: Westwood, Manston, Ramsgate and Broadstairs (Start: Apr 08 - Finish: Jun 11)
• Speed up the delivery of the Local Development Framework (Start: Dec 08 - Finish: Mar 11)
• Secure funding for further regeneration of historic buildings and areas (Start: Apr 08 - Finish: Mar 11)

An Integrated Transport Hub

• Work with Kent International Airport to agree a master plan for the airport (Start: Apr 08) - Finish: Sep 09)
• Develop a sustainable business plan to enable the Port of Ramsgate to be successful (Start: Mar 08 - Finish Mar 11)
• Work with the transport authorities to develop a plan to improve public transport links in Thanet (Start: Apr 09 - Finish: Mar 11)
• Work with partners to maximise the benefits of the high speed rail link (Start: Apr 08 - Finish: Dec 09)

Available employment opportunities

• Develop a flexible approach to the management of land owned by the council and its partners to create employment opportunities (Start: Apr 08 - Finish: Mar 11)

Employable workforce

• Develop the Thanet Works Strategy with partners to deliver the Working Neighbourhood Fund helping local people to be “work ready” (Start: Apr 08 - Finish: Mar 11)

Next page: Safe Neighbourhoods

Previous page: Foreword 

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