Canterbury is accelerating its transformation. Across the district, a series of ambitious property and development projects are reshaping places, unlocking new investment, and driving sustainable growth. Supported by a proactive planning agenda, targeted business promotion through Choose Canterbury, and a strong focus on regeneration, the district is creating fertile ground for businesses to thrive, homes to be built, and communities to flourish.
From dynamic town centre strategies to investment-ready development sites, Canterbury’s approach is about turning vision into delivery – fast.
1. Choose Canterbury: Championing Investment and Opportunity
The Choose Canterbury initiative, funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF), is at the heart of the district’s investment drive. The project positions Canterbury as a destination of choice for business, development, and enterprise.
Through targeted investor engagement, Choose Canterbury is spotlighting opportunities across sectors such as the visitor economy, hospitality, flexible workspace, and creative industries. The initiative is also supporting the identification and promotion of key commercial and hotel development sites – helping unlock underused or strategic locations and converting potential into real-world growth.
“Choose Canterbury is helping to raise the district’s profile as a place where investment ambitions can become a reality.” Charlie Hutchings-Lawrence, Choose Canterbury
2. Local Plan 2040 and Town Centre Strategies
The Canterbury Local Plan 2040 is setting the direction for the district’s long-term, sustainable growth. It focuses on placemaking, infrastructure delivery, and climate resilience, ensuring development supports a high quality of life and economic vitality.
Complementing the Local Plan are new City and Town Centre Strategies for Canterbury, Herne Bay, and Whitstable, each tailored to local strengths and aspirations. These strategies are reimagining the role of the high street – from retail-led spaces to vibrant, mixed-use environments that attract investment, residents, and visitors alike.
3. Expanding the Hotel and Visitor Economy
With Canterbury welcoming increasing numbers of UK and international visitors, the district has identified a shortage of quality visitor accommodation. A pipeline of new hotel projects is now being actively advanced through Choose Canterbury-led investor engagement.
This work aligns with wider public investment through the Levelling Up Fund and the district’s growing cultural, heritage, and leisure offer. Together, these efforts are positioning Canterbury as a leading visitor destination in the South East.
For updates on Levelling Up Fund projects, visit www.canterbury.gov.uk
4. Coastal Town Regeneration: Herne Bay and Whitstable
Canterbury’s coastal communities are seeing tangible results from accelerated regeneration.
- In Herne Bay, restoration of the historic central bandstand continues, alongside the letting of a newly refurbished retail unit to local business Makcari’s. At Altira Business Park, construction began in 2025 on a new David Lloyd health and leisure facility – a 4,460 m² development set to deliver 80–100 permanent jobs. Local developer Josh Wilson Ltd has submitted plans for a 17,000 m² commercial and industrial park at Hawthorn Corner on the A299 Thanet Way, further strengthening the town’s employment base.
In Whitstable, new opportunities for mixed-use and commercial development are being identified through its Town Centre Strategy, supporting a balanced approach to growth and regeneration.
5. Flexible Workspace and Innovation Hubs
A modern economy needs modern spaces – and Canterbury is responding. New developments such as a Regus/IGW co-working centre in the city centre are meeting growing demand for flexible, collaborative business environments.
These innovation hubs are vital for start-ups, creative enterprises, and digital businesses, creating a network of spaces where ideas can grow and partnerships can flourish. They also act as case studies to attract similar models across the district, reinforcing Canterbury’s reputation as a place of innovation and enterprise.
A District Delivering at Pace
Canterbury’s commitment to accelerated delivery is turning plans into progress. Whether through regeneration projects, flexible workspace investment, or strategic planning for the future, the district is demonstrating how collaboration and focus can drive real results for people, place, and prosperity.
To explore live opportunities, development sites, and investor support, visit the Kent Property Market Report (KPMR) and see how Canterbury is driving forward with purpose and ambition.
👉 Find out more at Kent Property Market Report