Making the Newtown Works site work for the borough’s interests

Changing picture for studios site. Those behind the redevelopment of Newtown Works have said that, despite the best efforts of everyone involved with the project, it is clear that a film studio proposal is not economically viable at this time and an alternative use for the site needs to be considered.

Ashford International Development Company (AIDC) and its development manager Quinn Estates have completed the first stage of the enabling works to clear the brownfield site, remediate the locomotive sheds, restoration of the clock tower and making the remaining listed buildings secure. Completion of the development will restore the site to full use after over 30 years. 

Following a recent update from AIDC, which included the findings of an independent report on the viability of a studio and media space on the site, members of Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) Trade & Enterprise Board agreed the departure from a primarily creative industry led proposal to a predominately residential scheme was the best route to take to bring the site back into use. This is now subject to approval by ABC Cabinet and Full Council members in due course.

The proposals will also ensure funding originally planned for the delivery of creative industry skills through new vocational educational space at Newtown, will be redistributed through funding from the development and delivered through offsite educational provision elsewhere within Ashford.

Ashford Borough Council Leader Cllr Noel Ovenden said: “We’ve been facing considerable challenges with the Newtown Works site and its proposed future use for some time now. It’s important to remember that this site has been dormant for over 30 years, and it holds significant heritage value, with five Grade II listed buildings that have, until recently, been left unloved. 

“Restoring these historic buildings is a key priority, and it’s fantastic to see this work undertaken, thanks to government funding through the Levelling Up programme. But we can’t ignore the financial realities, particularly around the original plan for film and TV studios. 

“Over the past couple of years, elected members have expressed concerns over the proposals and called for a plan b to be explored. Times have changed and the industry has been hit hard in recent years, not least by the writers’ and actors’ strikes and other economic factors, which have disrupted interest in new studio spaces. 

“Despite discussions with multiple operators, the current economic conditions have made it difficult to secure a viable operator for this site. We need to be honest about the risks involved. This is about being pragmatic so that the Newtown Works site doesn’t sit dormant and unloved for another 30 years. We must remain focused on delivering a development that restores our heritage, creates much needed affordable housing for local residents, and is financially viable. 

“We owe it to the residents of Ashford to make this scheme work in the best interests of the local community and not become a burden to taxpayers, while we chase an idea that might never happen.”

Progress to date

Since its inception in 2017, the project has secured planning, funding, and development finance, engaged subcontractors, and made significant progress. The site's archaeology and heritage are protected and will be accessible to the public and council once all finds are catalogued. 

An area for a memorial dedicated to the people who perished when the site was bombed in the Second World War has been secured, for the benefit of generations to come, so that the history and influence this site has had on the town is never forgotten. 

The archaeological work to date has shown the scale and extent of works at Newtown, where over 1,300 people were employed at its peak. The site has been cleaned and any contamination from the past century has been addressed.

Cllr Simon Betty, ABC cabinet member for commercial property & investment said: “It is regrettable that external market and economic forces have made it extremely difficult to deliver the studio element of this project as originally intended. 

“Despite the best efforts, it has proved virtually impossible to attract a credible operator in such challenging conditions without significant additional investment, which is difficult to justify without putting the council at significant risk. The report by market experts, Lambert Smith Hampton, confirms the position.

“The plan to now progress with additional residential units instead of studio space will de-risk the site for both the joint venture company and the council.”

Listed buildings works at Newtown Works

Works to restore the listed buildings at Newtown Works paid for by Levelling Up funding, includes:

• Brickwork cleaning and repairs for the locomotive shed 
• Scaffolding to enable the brickwork cleaning and repairs 
• Works to restore the clock tower, paint store and acetylene store to stop further deterioration 
• Works to the access roads for the entrance points into the site

These works were essential in ensuring the significant heritage assets on the site are restored and brought back into active use and preserving these much-loved buildings for generations to come.

Around 50,000 bricks were removed and preserved for reuse in the repair and stabilisation of the façade and archways of these historic engine sheds.

Film studio interest at Newtown Works

A spokesperson for AIDC said: “The challenges around the film and TV industry with the writers’ and actors’ strikes over the last few years has significantly impacted interest in building new studios. 

“Talks have been held with several potential studio operators, with some even reaching as far as legal agreements with several operators, but all to no avail. The whole industry has felt the impact, and for our scheme specifically, it has affected the demand for regional film studios. 

“There has been a lot of interest in the site, however economic conditions have made it difficult to secure a deal, therefore we have to face the facts that opportunities for a film studios at the site are looking less likely. We have therefore had to look at alternative options to ensure the site is brought back to life and not left dormant for another 30 years.”