case study 1 - dha Planning
dha Planning is an independent firm of Chartered Town Planners and urban designers providing planning, development and urban design consultancy services across the UK. Established in 1986, it is headed up by David Hicken with a team of 26 in-house staff dedicated to serving a broad range of clients in both the private and public sectors. Over the years it has diversified its services and developed a reputation to support landowners, commercial developers and homebuilders; corporations and manufacturers; and within the public sector, education and health institutions, police and ambulance and forces.
dha Planning’s headquarters are in the new purpose built offices at Eclipse Park, Maidstone, Kent. With a 21-year connection to Kent, they are committed to work in close partnership with the local developers such as the Gallagher Group. There are a number of significant development projects in Maidstone:
- Plans for £100 million investment to develop 180,000 sq ft of world class medical facilities to create up to 300 highly skilled professional jobs. A strategic development at Newnham Court, Junction 7, M20.
- A proposal for a 42-acre development site, less than four miles from Maidstone town centre and adjacent to junction 8 of the M20. A significant high quality commercial property development for Kent and the South East.
- The development of the South Maidstone Strategic Link ‘SMSL’, a road which would connect the M20 (Junction 8) and South East Maidstone (Parkwood area). This would stimulate the regeneration of Parkwood and take some traffic congestion away from Maidstone town centre and several nearby villages.
David Hicken comments: “There a strong knowledge-driven economy in Maidstone and working in partnership with organisations such as the Gallagher Group, we can aim to attract further significant investment to this thriving commercial business community in the heart of Kent.”
For more information, contact David Hicken on 01622 776226 or visit www.dhaplanning.co.uk
Case study 2 - asb Law
asb Law is one of largest regional law firms in the UK. Employing more than 250 people across its offices in the south east, it has a 100-year connection with Kent. Their new operation on Eclipse Park represents a significant step in driving forward their ambitious development plans for the future.
Jonathan Cavell, head of property services at asb law’s Eclipse Park office is clearly delighted with his firm’s decision to locate there: “These new offices represent a springboard for our growth and the rooftop meeting and conference rooms with external terrace area is a terrific facility for our clients and staff”.
Maidstone is a commercial centre for law firms, accountants, other professional services and like-minded firms committed to the thriving corporate community. Voted the most attractive business location in Kent, Maidstone has over 6,000 businesses employing more than 26,000 people. With office space costing up to 60% less than in London, it’s an ideal place to invest in.
asb law is keen to play a role in knowledge-driven environment. Madeleine Thomson, senior partner said: “We very much want to be part of Maidstone’s knowledge-based economy and to enjoy working with other professional services in this area, particularly at a time when Maidstone is growing its reputation for business excellence.”
Find out more, contact Madeleine Thomson on 01622 656525, www.asb-law.co.uk