Sir Terry Farrell (pictured) has been appointed as “design champion” for the government-designated growth town of Ashford in Kent.

In a role similar to his involvement in the Thames Gateway, the architect will work with Ashford’s Future, the agency overseeing the town’s £2.5bn inward investment programme.

Farrell will map out a plan for extensive landscaping across the region. The aim is to double the size of the town’s population from 70,000 to 135,000 by 2031.

Farrell said he would “work to fulfil the town’s ambition to become a powerhouse of Kent”.

“Ashford is my local town and I feel very strongly about the future of the entire county,” he said. “There is so much growth potential there, but the biggest problem is a recognition of the area on a broader level.”

“With the Eurostar rail link providing a gateway to Europe, and the introduction of the High Speed 1 fast train to London, Ashford encompasses many of the qualities I believe are vital for vibrant communities.”

Ashford’s Future has been granted £54m of funding from central government to create a masterplan.

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