Turkey Mill ranks top for air quality in the South East
26th January 2022
Climate change and air pollution has risen to the top of business requirements when looking for new office space, following COP26 and the global pandemic as the owners of Turkey Mill in Maidstone, Kent have found.
Last year, Upper Stone Street in Maidstone was dubbed the most polluted street in Kent, with the Kent Messenger reporting that it consistently failed to meet the safe levels of air pollution. Even more worryingly, in 2018, the 500-metre stretch of road was found to be one of the worst hotspots for unclean air in the country - a plaudit repeated in 2019 and 2020 too.
However, Turkey Mill, a historic paper mill turned Business Park located just 1 mile down the road, is presenting a very different story and have repeatedly taken readings which are the lowest in the area. In parallel, they have seen demand and enquiries rise significantly post pandemic from companies looking for a better level of wellbeing for staff, and plenty of fresh air is also on their agenda. With over 75 tenants with office space at the 20 acre park, it currently has over 95% occupancy which demonstrates its popularity post pandemic where many other parks have seen vacancy levels spike.
Located just outside of the town centre and near the M20 corridor, Turkey Mill is an example of best practice when it comes to multi-tenanted office space with an abundance of fresh air and greenery - demonstrating it is possible for this area of Kent to have clean air. They have an average reading of just 12ug, which is almost three quarters lower than Upper Stone Street’s current monthly average of 46.2ug/m3 (previously peaking at just under 80ug/m3).
Since the start of the pandemic, there has been an increased awareness placed on health and wellbeing, particularly the environment we live and work in. Air toxicity has been a key consideration, especially after experiencing the benefits of lower levels during the various lockdowns, after the public were asked to stay at home and only travel when essential.
However, with many returning to work and taking up their regular commute, air pollution may worsen - again putting an increased risk on people's health.
Air pollution which is caused by air pollutants such as chemicals, smoke, dust, or allergens, can cause a wide range of adverse health effects. In 2017, around 300 people in the Maidstone borough had died prematurely because of the high levels of air pollution, highlighting it as a real and urgent issue. PM2.5, the term used to describe particles suspended in the atmosphere, have a direct link to health problems.
Green campaigner Stuart Jeffery has already called out Maidstone council’s lack of effort in combatting the air pollution problem and calls for many motorists to stop sitting with their engines running. In order to combat the problem, the local council have put in place an Air Quality Action Plan as well as an Air Quality Management Area to try and improve the issue.
Dougie Lawson, co-owner of Turkey Mill, says: “The impact of air toxicity on health has become extremely clear in recent years, and we want to provide a healthy working environment for our tenants but to also play our part and set by example when it comes to reducing climate change. Turkey Mill is surrounded by 20 acres of land and gardens, and we want to promote this tranquil location in all aspects, including having clean air. With research suggesting that the cleaner the air in an office space, the more productive and efficient workers are - now is the time to really focus in on air quality as a major requisite for the workplace.”
Turkey Mill is an unusually well-connected green oasis, with flexible and modern office space. It has shown that it is possible to have low air toxicity readings in this area of Kent and is also working on several environmental initiatives to be announced soon, that will enhance Turkey Mill's sustainability still further.