Town centre plan approved

A plan setting out the future vision for Ashford’s Town Centre have been approved.

The blueprint shows how 3,100 homes, 8,000 jobs, 70,000 sq metres of retail/leisure space and around 95,000 sq metres of office development will be created in the town centre over the next 10 years.

To put the expansion in context the retail growth expected would be the equivalent of three more County Square extensions in the town by 2021.

Exciting developments in the plan include the new Gateway Library Plus, a mixture of shops, leisure facilities and new homes opposite the County Square extension along Elwick Road and a new vibrant, office and business hub close to the station.

It also proposes significant development along Victoria Way, a new link road south of the railway line linking to the station to south Ashford.

The Ashford Town Centre Area Action Plan was adopted on the 18th February 2010 and runs until 2021 covering the expanded town centre area. It forms part of the Local Development Framework and sets out policies which will guide future planning applications.

The future development and growth of the town centre is a key economic driver and will play an important role in Ashford’s expansion.

Richard Alderton, Head of Planning and Development for Ashford Borough Council, said: “An expanded town centre will be the economic engine for Ashford. This plan will help shape future developments and make the town centre a place for people to live, work and enjoy for many years to come.

“The Council has adopted the Area Action Plan ahead of schedule, something which few other local authorities across the country have been able to achieve.”

To view a summary of the plans.

Media release 0035/10
23/02/2010