SPOTLIGHTON...
Ashford
– best connected for growth
Currently ranked as the best business location in Kent, Ashford remains the number one choice for inward investment in the county and a commercial powerhouse in the South East. Last year the international town enjoyed dynamic growth, with over 1,000 homes under construction and new commercial developments taking shape – and 2016 has started with a bang as Ashford continues its ambitious economic expansion. Ashford Borough Council’s hands-on approach is helping to drive forward
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ThinkingBUSINESS April - May 2016
key development opportunities, attracting a wealth of investors from across Kent and beyond and strengthening the town’s reputation for nurturing success and innovation. In the heart of the town, multimillion-pound plans to breathe life into a vacant 2.6 hectare (6.42 acre) brownfield site are set to deliver new
leisure facilities that will transform the night-time economy. Work is expected to start soon on phase one of the flagship Elwick Place scheme which includes a six-screen cinema, hotel, and eight restaurant / bars. The development complements the major investment that has already taken place in the County Square Shopping Centre and Elwick Road shared space project and represents a £75 million investment by UK developer Stanhope PLC. Phase two will consist of around 200 apartments. Quinn Estates, working alongside George Wilson Holdings, has announced plans for a new town centre office building next to Ashford International Station. The 80,000 sq ft office block, along Station Road, will be part of Ashford’s exciting new business hub.
Quinn Estates is talking to a number of businesses keen to take space in the first new office building in the Commercial Quarter, located in a prime position opposite Ashford International Station. It is stimulating major investment opportunities and will create several thousand jobs, 590,000 sq ft of office space and 150 homes. Further commercial development is under way at Ashford’s Orbital Park, where Salmon Harvester Properties’ £8 million Axiom scheme promises 55,000 sq ft in seven industrial units and warehouses which will be ready for occupation soon. Ashford’s Park Mall shopping centre is continuing with its regeneration plans, attracting a growing number of quality independent retailers and businesses.