IT IS a year since drug company Pfizer announced that it would be closing its headquarters outside Sandwich, with the loss of up to 2,400 jobs.

The news devastated east Kent, where the firm's presence was seen as vital to economic prosperity. Since then leading politicians and business leaders have been working to secure the site's future as a rebranded Discovery Park.

Pfizer itself announced plans to keep some staff on the site, and the Government designated the area an Enterprize Zone, giving tax breaks to firms which set up there.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills has also provided £40million from the Regional Development Fund for grants to businesses, and to improve high-speed train links.

Last Friday, a group of investors was revealed as potential buyers for the site.

A consortium led by London & Metropolitan International Developments is being financed by a European real estate investor, and is thought to include at least one pharmaceutical company.

A statement sent to workers at the Sandwich site from Pfizer says: "This announcement is a positive milestone in the transition of Discovery Park to becoming a research and development-led multiple-use campus with Enterprise Zone status."

London & Metropolitan has carried out UK and European projects, including the development of retail sites Bicester Village in Oxfordshire and Kildare Village in Ireland.

Thanet South MP Laura Sandys, whose constituency covers much of the area affected by the closure, said: "It was a really dark day for my constituents a year ago when Pfizer announced their exit and I have fought tirelessly to ensure that we have got the support from Government that we need to deal with this shock to the community.

"From day one we had the Prime Minister's support, and were able to establish the Sandwich Taskforce working at the heart of Government.

"In the last year the Taskforce has been able to galvanise all parts of Government, and has knocked on the door of every minister that could assist us.

Ms Sandys added: "One year on, we have secured Government Enterprise Zone status, £40million from the Regional Growth Fund, high-speed rail services, flood defence funding and immediate start-up grants for new businesses.

"While there are still staff who have not found jobs, and companies in the area who were reliant on Pfizer, almost 1,000 jobs are now secure and a new buyer for the site is in final negotiations. What seemed like a disastrous day a year ago looks a lot more promising."