WORK HERE

LIVE HERE

INVEST HERE

News & Events

Home > Ashford - The Future > Progress to Date

Progress to Date

A masterplan for Ashford was published in the Greater Ashford Development Framework (GADF) 2005. Today the masterplan is being implemented and the key projects are rapidly changing the face of Ashford.

Residential and Commercial

  • Development agreement for 6.65acre mixed use Elwick Place site agreed with Stanhope Plc
  • Stour Centre remodelling. Opened September 2007.
  • County Square retail extension. Opened spring 2008.   
  • Planning permission granted for 3000 dwellings on three large sites (Park Farm south and east, Cheesemans Green and the former Templer Barracks sites).
  • Completion of the first 50,000ft of proposed 1.25 million ft space at Eureka Park.

Environment

  • Mid Kent Water is investing £24.4 million into improving water supply to the Mid Kent area including a new water main between Bewl Water and Ashford.
  • Southern Water is investing over £40 million into infrastructure necessary to accommodate the planned growth in Ashford.
  • The Singleton Environment Centre community facility opened in May 2008.

Transport

  • Junction 10, M20. Work on a £7 million scheme to tackle congestion and improve capacity was completed in September 2007.
  • Work to transform the former ring road around the town centre into a series of two-way streets, including the pioneering shared space scheme, was completed in October 2008.
  • Work has began in spring 2010 on a new road called Victoria Way linking the town centre and station with south Ashford.
  • Work is underway on improving the capacity of Junction 9 of the M20 and nearby Drovers Roundabout, including building a new foot/cycle bridge over the M20 motorway.
  • A new fast and high frequency bus service SmartLink is due to launch in 2013 subject to funding approval, and includes the introduction of a Park and Ride scheme. 
  • Plans for a new M20 junction, 10a, have been published by the Government, and is on track for delivery by 2015 (subject to funding approval).
  • Newtown Bridge. Works to improve access to the south of the town centre via Newtown Road Bridge was completed in December 2008.
  • A new traffic signal controlled junction at Romney Marsh Road/Victoria Road junction was completed in October 2008.


Telecommunications

  • Broadband. Wireless broadband available in Ashford from February 2006. Telecommunications and Broadband Strategy completed and project to develop fibre optic provision in Ashford underway.


Education and Health

  • A new Primary Care Health Centre opened in 2006 in south Ashford.
  • Opening of John Wesley Primary School in Singleton in September 2007.
  • Plans to create a further 15 primary schools and three secondary schools over the next 20 years.