From growth in places to live and expanding business parks to a thriving independent sector and a clear vision for improving the town centre, Herne Bay is building on its strengths to attract businesses, investment and new opportunities.
Herne Bay has always had plenty going for it. A traditional seaside setting, good transport connections and a strong independent spirit have long made it an attractive place to live. Increasingly, those same qualities are attracting new investment.
It’s not one single driver that is changing Herne Bay. Instead, a combination of new communities, investment in the town centre and a growing interest from the private sector is gradually reshaping the town. Each reinforces the other, creating opportunities for businesses looking to invest in one of Kent’s most promising coastal locations.
Growth creating opportunity
There are few better examples of the growing interest in Herne Bay than its appeal as a great place to live.
More than 3,200 homes are being delivered across four strategic developments – Eddington Park, Hillborough, , Oxenden Park and Strode Farm. Alongside new homes will come schools, community facilities, commercial space, transport improvements and public open space, bringing thousands of new residents into the town centre over the coming years.
As those neighbourhoods grow, so too will demand for shops, cafés, healthcare, leisure facilities, professional services and employment space. For entrepreneurs and businesses considering expansion, it means a steadily growing customer base within an established seaside town.
The commercial picture is evolving just as quickly. Altira Park continues to attract new occupiers, while George Wilson Holdings is bringing forward plans for Hawthorn Corner, a major new business park that will provide flexible industrial space, leisure uses, food and drink
Creating between 250–300 jobs the business park will bedesigned around adaptable business units, reflecting the way many businesses are choosing to grow.
George Wilson Holdings’ continued investment reflects the company’s long-standing commitment to East Kent and its belief in Herne Bay’s future.
Josh Wilson, Managing Director of George Wilson Holdings, believes one of the area’s biggest strengths is its ability to combine quality of life with excellent connectivity.
“It’s a good place to live,” he says. “We see a lot of people moving down here and bringing their business with them, or starting something new.”
“You can be in the woods in the morning, on the beach in the afternoon, and in London in the evening. That’s quite hard to beat.”
A vote of confidence from national brands
One of the clearest signs of Herne Bay’s boosted profile came when David Lloyd Clubs chose Altira Park for its first East Kent location. The decision followed extensive research into expansion opportunities across Kent.
“We were attracted by the level of new housing nearby, which will help the Club continue to grow over time,” explains Stuart Gillies, Regional New Club Opening Manager. “We identified a clear gap in the market for our health, fitness and wellness offer.”
Six months after opening, the Club had already reached near capacity following an exceptionally successful launch – an indication that David Lloyd’s decision to invest in Herne Bay has been well placed.
The Club now attracts members from across East Kent, strengthening the town’s leisure offer while bringing additional spending into the local economy.
“We hope our confidence in Herne Bay will encourage other high-quality businesses to invest here as well.”
The investment is already being followed by further commercial activity, including continued expansion at Altira Park and proposals for a new Aldi store, adding to the area’s growing appeal for both national operators and local businesses.
A town centre with its own identity
Spend a little time walking through Herne Bay town centre and its character quickly becomes apparent.
Mortimer Street and the High Street continue to provide the everyday shops and services people rely on, with each developing its own identity, boasting a range of independent cafés, boutiques, galleries and retailers sitting alongside more familiar names. Organisations such as Beach Creative have helped establish a thriving creative community, providing space for artists, makers and creative businesses that contribute to the town’s distinctive character.
Canterbury City Council’s recently published Town Centre Strategy for Herne Bay aims to capitalise on those strengths rather than trying to invent new ones. It sets out a long-term vision for a better-connected, greener and more welcoming town centre, improving links between the High Street, the seafront and the railway station while supporting independent businesses, cultural activity and heritage-led regeneration.
For businesses considering investing, this clear direction provides reassurance that the town centre will continue to evolve while retaining the qualities that already make it an attractive place to spend time.
Building on a strong visitor economy
Herne Bay already welcomes around 626,000 visitors each year, including more than 71,000 overnight stays, generating £41.3 million for the local economy and supporting around 840 jobs.
Those figures underline the importance of tourism to the local economy, but they also point towards opportunities that have yet to be realised.
Despite attracting visitors who often stay for several days, Herne Bay remains the only major Kent seaside town without a hotel in its town centre or directly on the seafront. This presents clear opportunities for hotel and other visitor accommodation providers, as well as businesses in hospitality, food and drink, leisure and cultural attractions that can help strengthen the town’s year-round offer.
Herne Bay’s expanding population will also create increasing demand for healthcare, childcare, education, flexible workspace and local services, broadening the range of sectors where investment can make a lasting impact.
Looking ahead
For businesses looking to invest, this is perhaps the strongest message of all. Herne Bay’s future isn’t being shaped by one major project or one significant investor. It’s being built through a series of connected decisions – new homes, expanding businesses, investment in the public realm and a shared commitment to the qualities that have always made the town distinctive.