The official launch of Engine Works Park was marked on Thursday 8 May with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Councillor Leo Britcher, Deputy Mayor of Margate.
The new scheme delivers 126,000 sq ft of high-specification SME workspace across a four-acre site, with 59 flexible units ranging from 1,500 to 5,100 sq ft — designed to support modern, high-growth businesses across industrial, logistics and office uses.
A milestone day for Margate
The launch event, held at Continental Approach, Westwood Industrial Estate, welcomed representatives from Kent County Council, Thanet District Council, East Kent Chamber of Commerce, Margate Creative Land Trust and a wide range of local businesses looking to expand their operations.
Guests were given an introduction to the vision behind Engine Works Park, followed by a drinks reception and guided tours of the newly completed units.
Today marks an important milestone for Margate and the wider South East. Engine Works Park has been carefully designed to meet the needs of ambitious businesses looking for high-quality space in a strategic location. We are proud to deliver a scheme that supports economic growth and strengthens Margate’s commercial offer.
John O’Neill, Managing Director, Yeats
We took a big risk but we are building high-grade commercial and industrial units, and this area deserves that — the demand is there to fill these spaces. This area is on an upward trajectory and that has given us confidence to risk our capital here.
Niall Lawlor, Yeats
Built for ambitious businesses
Construction of Engine Works Park began in January 2025 under principal contractor South East Steel. Each unit features:
- Split-level layouts
- Super-fast broadband
- Three-phase electricity
- Solar PV panels
- Electric vehicle charging
A site with industrial pedigree
Engine Works Park has a rich industrial heritage. The Hilger and Watts factory opened on the plot in 1964 — with then-Secretary of State for Trade (and Broadstairs man) Ted Heath performing the honours. The factory manufactured high-tech instrumentation for the analysis of steels and chemicals and exported worldwide, employing hundreds of skilled engineers and physicists. It was later taken over by Cummins Engines, the diesel engine manufacturer that Engine Works Park takes its name from.
The site sat derelict following a 25-day blaze in 2018 that razed the original factory, before transformation work began.
Now letting
Units are now available to let. Get in touch via the Register your interest form or call our team to arrange a viewing.
Coverage of the launch in The Isle of Thanet News. Press images by Louis McLaren.