Officially opened in September 2008 by HRH The Duke of Kent KG, The Marlowe Innovation Centre is the home for innovative enterprises in East Kent. High quality accommodation for light industrial and office-based small businesses are available at competitive rates on easy-in, easy-out terms. Situated close to an expanding retail centre and developing business park, the centre offers 24/7 access to a secure site.

Additional features include a large informal networking space with refreshment area, a board room for formal meetings and high strength broadband. Tenants and their guests have access to the restaurant, library and adult education centre all based in the nearby Marlowe Academy.

Funding

The centre has been built with contributions from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF), Kent County Council (KCC), Thanet District Council (TDC), East Kent Partnership (EKP) and the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust (RDHCT).

Accommodation

Marlowe Innovation Centre provides light industrial workshop and office accommodation. There are 25 units from under eight and up to sixty square metres. Twelve desks in an open plan hatchery offer very small enterprises start-up space or can be rented for hot-desking. The building is fully managed with reception and out of office hours access to tenants. A virtual office service will provide an address and all the benefits of a tenancy without the need to rent any space.

Innovation

Marlowe Innovation Centre is managed by specialists in innovation who have access to the expert support which is essential for innovative businesses. This support comes from leading universities, successful companies looking to nurture innovative talent and marketing and financial advisers. It includes specialist advice and guidance, master classes, consultancy, support for trade fairs and business skills improvement, business training, information exchange, dissemination and networking.

Links with the Marlowe Academy

Marlowe Academy, an all-ability community school, is fast becoming the hub of the local area. Not just a school, it hosts the local public library, excellent sports facilities, adult education and youth services and a 200 seat theatre. There are opportunities for Innovation Centre tenants to work in partnership with the Academy, to the benefit of students and entrepreneurs.

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