There's a fairly convincing hypothesis that regeneration activity expands in ripples from major cities, and a time-lapse map of the south-east's economic revival since 1990 would probably bear that out. But while the district of Swale on the North Kent coast is probably about as far from London as you can get in that direction, it's far from being a backwater. In fact, with high-speed rail and road links, significant potential for development, and extensive house-building under way, there's probably never been a more exciting time to take up the role of Director of Regeneration. Swale's historic market towns and beautiful countryside mean that it's a very attractive place to visit, and the tourist economy is thriving. But people have also made things here for centuries - from paper, to bricks, to ships - so there's also a valuable supply of brownfield opportunities, and a pragmatic, growth-focused mindset. And with exceptional access to road and rail networks, an international port at Sheerness, and a strategic location in the Thames Gateway, it's hard to see how it could be better placed.
展开▼
