ashford briefing autumn 2010
www.ashfordbestplaced.co.uk
£2.5 billion investment > 2 million sq ft of commercial space > 37 minutes to London > 2 hours to Paris > 28,000 new jobs > 31,000 new homes
Government funding secure for 2011 Ashford has survived an uncertain summer for growth areas across the country by securing the full amount of government funding available for 2011. In a period of change across the country, the Department for Communities and Local Government released £4.2m Growth Area Funding (GAF) for 2010-2011 in August. This represents a huge boost for Ashford’s growth plans, and gives the green light to several new projects that will greatly benefit the local community, including the Arts at St Mary’s improvements. Cllr Paul Bartlett, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “At a time when cuts in public spending are reaching unprecedented levels, the new coalition Government has shown its confidence in Ashford’s growth programme. “This further investment will fund a range of improvement projects
Locate in Kent are assisting 60 companies who are currently considering Ashford for potential projects, while estate agents are reporting a steady flow of buyers coming into the area, attracted by its fast connections, great value homes and excellent quality of life. Local estate agents have reported a surge in enquiries and sales since the arrival of the 37 minute rail service to London.
Alex Davies, director at Ashford
“The fast train line, combined with access to excellent schools and the fact that prices still represent good value, makes Ashford a highly attractive package.”
Investments by 10 companies in 2009/10 are set to create 262 new
What The Papers Say
Ashford is now recognised as one of the fastest growing areas of England, and for
Cllr Paul Clokie, Chairman of the Ashford’s Future Partnership Board, said: “This announcement means over £54m is being invested in Ashford in the next year which will result in a better transport network and improved community facilities for our residents to enjoy and use for many years to come.” Ashford has received a total of £22.5m GAF funding between 2008 and 2011.
• Work starts on major infrastructure projects
based estate agents Hobbs Parker, said: “We’re seeing many more enquiries from people currently living in either central or north London, and more interest from the home counties.
The success of high speed trains to London and the continent is also proving beneficial to the area’s businesses, with firms using the service on a regular basis and saving much-needed time and money.
The announcement follows other recent successful government funding bids including £16.5m Community Infrastructure Funding for Victoria Way and £15.1m Regional Infrastructure Funding for improvements to Junction 9 and nearby Drovers Roundabout including a landmark footbridge over the M20.
Inside
Fast rail brings economic boom to Ashford Nearly one year on from its launch, high-speed domestic rail services are lifting house sales, attracting new investors, and boosting businesses in Ashford.
in the town to make Ashford a better place to live and work for our residents.”
• Ashford shines in’ perception survey jobs within three years - the highest number of all Kent districts. New additions to Ashford’s business community include New World Netcom and Sagittarius Marketing, and both firms cited the high-speed rail services to London and Europe as the main deciding factor for the move. buyers and renters it offers an irresistible combination of a pleasant market town with good connections to London and beyond. July 2010
• House sales on the rise • Sir Terry Farrell reveals his design vision for Ashford
The introduction of high-speed domestic rail services have had a positive impact on Kent as a business location. September 2010