Location: Greenhithe Sector: Retail and Leisure Contact: www.bluewater.co.uk

In 2009, Bluewater celebrated its 10th anniversary, and to mark the occasion there was a year-long programme of local community events and activities. With 1.6 million sq ft of retail, Bluewater features 330 of the best UK and International brands, 50 restaurants and bars, 13,000 free parking spaces, 50 acres of parkland, seven lakes and attracts 28 million visitors per year. In 2011 Bluewater will open the Events Venue, offering extended restaurant facilities and entertainment opportunities.

Just two miles from Ebbsfleet International, Paris is a little over two hours away. And Bluewater also benefits from the domestic high-speed rail services offering a journey of 17 minutes from London.

The Bluewater story began in a derelict chalk pit in 1994 with one simple belief - that the impossible could be achieved with vision, commitment, and the right team. Since opening in March 1999, Bluewater has made a significant, positive impact on the local Kent Thameside community and its economy. It has created over 22,000 jobs, employed 9,000 local contractors and contributed £2.25 million to the community in charitable donations. In addition, it has launched over 40 new brands in the UK and welcomed over a quarter of a billion visitors.

“Bluewater has played an important role in the local area over the past 10 years. The 10th anniversary was an opportunity for us to underline our ongoing commitment to meet the needs of the community as it evolves, by creating a better living, working, shopping and leisure environment for many years to come.” Andrew Parkinson, General Manager, Bluewater.