Ashford Borough Council has published its masterplan to redevelop Ashford town centre with 165,000 sq m of retail, leisure, and office space over the next ten years.

The Town Centre Area Action Plan, which was approved by the council today, forms part of its Local Development Framework and will run until 2021. It sets out policies which will guide future planning applications, with a view to creating 3,100 homes, 8,000 jobs, 70,000 sq me of retail/leisure space and around 95,000 sq m of office development.

Among hoped-for developments is a new Gateway Library Plus, which includes shops, leisure facilities and new homes opposite the existing County Square extension. A new office and business hub close to Ashford International station is also part of the plans.

Richard Alderton, head of planning and development for Ashford Borough Council, said a new town centre would improve the economy of 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,” he said.

“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.”

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