Construction is underway on Thanet Earth’s seventh high-tech glasshouse in Birchington, Kent, which will produce an additional 150mn tomatoes a year
Thanet Earth, the UK’s largest glasshouse complex, is about to get even bigger, with construction officially starting on a seventh high-tech glasshouse at the site in Birchington, Kent.
The new development, labelled TG7, is set for completion in November and will add 6.5 hectares of lit production dedicated to tomatoes, taking the total growing area to 51.5ha.
Thanet Earth currently grows 400mn tomatoes, 33mn cucumbers and 24mn peppers a year, with the new £20m glasshouse adding an extra 150mn tomatoes each year.
Dutch horticultural specialist BOM, a member of the Atrium Agri group, has been appointed as the principal contractor for the TG7 build, having constructed three of the six glasshouses on the Birchington site.
A unique feature of the design is enhanced wind resistance, according to Thanet Earth. “The gable facing the Thanet Way has been specifically reinforced to withstand strong winds,” the company revealed. “To minimise visual impact and protect the structure, a new line of trees has been planted along the roadside as a natural windbreak.”
Thanet Earth said that it had engaged a Westgate-based health and safety consultancy to oversee site practices and “ensure rigorous safety standards”, while the use of local tradespeople, including groundworkers, electricians and builders, is intended to support regional businesses and employment.
The development of our seventh glasshouse is a significant milestone for Thanet Earth and a clear demonstration of our continued investment in UK food production,” said managing director Chris Butler. “Strengthening our capacity to grow more fresh produce here in Britain is vital for long-term food security, reducing our dependence on imports, and meeting consumer demand sustainably.”
