Town Centre Regeneration Consultation

Ashford Borough Council is inviting residents, businesses and stakeholders to take part in a single consultation covering three major regeneration projects: The Tanyard, the Civic Centre Redevelopment and the Stour Centre Solar PV Project. Together, these proposals aim to deliver affordable homes, enhance public spaces, protect heritage assets, and increase renewable energy generation at the heart of Ashford.

Your feedback will help shape the final proposals ahead of planning applications being submitted later this spring.

The Tanyard – A New Riverside Neighbourhood

The Tanyard, formerly home to Kent Wool Growers for nearly 100 years, is proposed to become a landscape‑led residential neighbourhood delivering 160 affordable homes across four buildings (six storeys or fewer).

Key Features

Restoration of the Grade II* listed Whist House as a Housing Hub for the Council
Reinstatement of Tanyard Lane as a walking and cycling route for the first time in over a century
New public spaces: courtyards, shared surfaces and a riverside edge along the Great Stour
Sustainable parking ratio of 0.4 spaces per home
New access from Tannery Lane and improved active travel links to the station, Civic Park, Stour Centre and town centre

Civic Centre Redevelopment – Homes and Community Use

The vacant Civic Centre building on Tannery Lane is proposed to be transformed into 60 affordable apartments (studio, one‑bed and two‑bed homes).

Key Features

A new kiosk café fronting Civic Park
Improved rear amenity space
Parking ratio of 0.4 spaces per home
A new public‑facing art mural on the Stour Centre wall
Retention of ground‑floor office space for the Electoral Services team

This redevelopment supports efficient use of previously developed land while reconnecting the area with leisure, transport and town‑centre amenities.

Why This Regeneration Matters

With these three projects, Ashford will benefit from:

High‑quality affordable housing
Improved walking and cycling routes
Protection and enhancement of heritage assets
Increased renewable energy generation
Reduced operational carbon emissions
Enhanced public spaces and community facilities

Have Your Say

Your views are important to us and will help shape the final proposals.

You can provide feedback by:

Online: Visit our consultation portal
Deadline: 17 March 2026
Consultation materials and concept plans are also available at our public drop‑in events.

Stour Centre Solar PV Project – Clean Energy for Ashford

As part of Ashford Borough Council’s ambition to become carbon neutral by 2030 (Climate Change Strategy, June 2022), the Council is proposing a major solar energy installation at the Stour Centre car park.

About the Project

Installation of seven solar canopies above existing parking bays
Around 1,544 solar PV panels generating approximately 1MW of clean energy each year
Panels will be angled away from residential properties and towards the leisure centre to minimise glare
Estimated 270 tonnes of CO₂ savings annually — equivalent to planting over 12,400 trees each year

Benefits