SPOTLIGHTON...
Former factory project given approval Work can begin on redeveloping the former Rimmel factory site at Cobbs Wood Industrial Estate, Ashford, after Ashford Borough Council granted planning permission to Gallagher Properties Ltd. At least 200 jobs can now be created on the site, which has been derelict for nearly a decade after it was destroyed by fire. It is close to the high speed rail line and not far from junction 9 of the M20. Gallagher Properties, based in Maidstone, acquired the five-acre site late in 2015 from the Homes & Communities Agency, and this represents the company’s first property venture in the Ashford area. Nick Yandle, of Gallagher Properties, said: “The decision sends a very positive message that Ashford Council is keen to promote employment opportunities and bring forward modern, new business premises in the town to support the growing local population.”
Construction work has already started on site and will be carried out in phases over the next couple of years. Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council, said: “We are pleased that this site will be brought back into use and welcome these sustainable construction jobs. “Ashford is the number one business location in Kent and this endorsement of Ashford’s success in encouraging investment and economic growth should emphasise to all that our borough is a real draw to significant stakeholders.” Gallagher Group employs more than 300 people in Kent, and has carried out construction work in, and supplied construction materials to, the Ashford area for many years.
TO LET Ashford Commercial Quarter Brand new offices 1,600 sq. ft. to 55,000 sq. ft.
Pictured: Ashford College
community on Victoria Way; while Crest Nicholson’s prime Finberry development, a brand new community on the south eastern outskirts of Ashford, continues to take shape. First-rate education provision is also a key priority for Ashford, and construction work on a new multimillion state-of-the-art Ashford College Campus is expected to be complete next year, with the first students joining in September 2017. With major developments continuing apace, Ashford remains the fastest growing town between London and the Continent, making infrastructure improvements vital. The future development of Ashford has depended on new motorway junction capacity – specifically J10a of the M20. The Government’s
decision to fund the long-awaited junction will be a catalyst for economic and commercial development in Ashford, creating job opportunities and improving the infrastructure of the town.The South East Local Enterprise Partnership (SELEP) has secured substantial funding from the Government to help deliver the junction which it is hoped will be open by 2018/19. This diverse portfolio of development will continue to transform the Ashford landscape in 2016 and beyond – and with more than £100 million of infrastructure planned in the near future, there are many more opportunities to invest in Kent’s largest borough and become part of the Ashford success story as it continues to look to the future.
Ashford’s newest office development. Due for completion in 2017. Close proximity to Ashford International station.
Rent: Dependent on terms •••
Elwick Road, Ashford
New & refurbished retail units. Prominently located in Ashford’s Elwick Square Development
Units 13/14 will directly face the new cinema complex across Elwick Square. 700/1400/2100 sq. ft. and 1,940 sq. ft. retail units. A1, A3, A4 and A5 planning consent.
Rents from: £17,500 per annum
Tel: 01233 629281 www.taylorriley.co.uk
October - November 2016 ThinkingBUSINESS
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