Commercial Quarter green light
The
first phase of office construction for Ashford’s new commercial
quarter has been given the green light by the council.
Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee granted outline
planning permission on Wednesday 19 October for a mixed use
development of offices and retail units in Dover Place car
park.
The development could include ground floor shops and restaurants,
with office space on the upper floors.
Capitalising on the town’s high-speed domestic and international
rail links, this phase of the commercial quarter will create
approximately 300 jobs and entice more outside investment from
companies looking to relocate.
Nearly 200 construction jobs will also be created during the
build.
Leader of Ashford Borough Council Cllr Peter Wood said: “Ashford’s
commercial quarter represents a huge economic boost to the
town.
“In these tough economic times, more and more businesses are
looking to relocate to more cost-effective locations but do not
want to lose their links to the capital in the process.
“Our commercial quarter will not only offer visually impressive and
high quality office space, but it will also be one of the best
investment choices in the region with its enviable location,
excellent transport links and competitive property rates.”
The first office development will be situated at the front of the
site, facing Station Road.
Around 64 parking spaces will be lost, but 147 spaces (including
seven new disabled bays) and 38 cycle bays will be provided for the
site’s employees during office hours, and will be available on a
pay and display basis for the general public during evenings and
weekends.
The landowners, the Homes and Communities Agency, are working
alongside Ashford Borough Council to find a private sector
development partner. If approved, the plans could see the first
phase of office development begin in 2013.
Planning permission was granted subject to the completion of a
section 106 agreement.
Media release 0236/11
26/11/2011
For more information, please contact our Press Office on 01233
330719 or email sinead.mason@ashford.gov.uk
This webpage was updated on
10/26/2011