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Quinn Estates buys Betteshanger Country Park and Business Park near Deal

13:42, 02 December 2019

updated: 13:54, 02 December 2019

Both Betteshanger Business Park and Country Park have new owners.

Quinn Estates has successfully completed the purchase from representatives acting on behalf of The Hadlow Group.

Betteshanger Country Park. Picture: Paul Amos
Betteshanger Country Park. Picture: Paul Amos

It ends months of uncertainty for the former colliery site, near Deal.

It assures the delivery of a £40 million regeneration project left hanging in the balance after Hadlow Group was placed in educational administration by the government earlier this year.

As the new owner, Quinn Estates will be completing the unfinished construction works, including the Kent Mining Museum and Visitor Centre.

The Country Park will be kept open and fully operational.

This will protect a key social, sporting and community hub for the local area.

The Mining Museum. Picture: Paul Amos
The Mining Museum. Picture: Paul Amos

It will also provide the investment that the Country Park needs to thrive and fulfil its immense potential in education, sport and tourism.

The company explains it intends to work closely with the community over the coming months, as it explores ways to further progress the opportunities of the wider site.

Quinn estates says setting out the vision for the long-term stewardship of the wider Betteshanger Park will be a priority for its team.

Apart from Betteshanger Country Park the aquisition also includes the land on the other side of the A256 known as Betteshanger Sustainable Parks/Betteshanger Business Park, which also includes Almond House.

The plots total 121 hectares (299 acres).

Betteshanger Country Parknow has new owners Picture: Paul Amos
Betteshanger Country Parknow has new owners Picture: Paul Amos

Huw Evans, managing director of Quinn Estates, said: “We can now confirm that we have reached agreement with representatives acting on behalf of the Hadlow Group for the purchase.

“We are delighted to bring to a close the uncertainty.

"We also look forward to working with local community groups, Dover District Council and other stakeholders to deliver what has been promised.

"We are also delighted to bring a new ambition and enthusiasm to an asset that I, as a local resident and regular visitor, know has huge potential.

“Our vision is to deliver a regional super hub of the highest standard with social, sporting, educational and cultural excellence at its core.

"Significant investment has already been put into acquiring the site along with further funds set aside to complete the construction works and to recruit additional staff.

"This is to support those who have continued to work through the uncertainty, who will independently drive forward a range of initiatives to make the park a success.”

Read more: All the latest news from Deal

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