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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

  • 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 Barracks).
  • Completion of the first 50,000ft of proposed 1.25 million ft space at Eureka Park.

Education and Health

  • A new Primary Care Health Centre opened in 2006 in south Ashford.
  • Planning permission submitted by South Kent College for a multi-million further education facility Ashford Learning Campus.
  • 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.

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.
  • Ring Road. Work started in January 2007 on the first phase to transform the current Ring Road into a series of two-way streets. Open to two way traffic - November 2008.
  • Newtown Bridge. Work will start in January 2008 on works to improve access to the south of the town centre. Due to complete late 2008.
  • A new traffic signal controlled junction at Romney Marsh Road/Victoria Road junction. Complete October 2008.
  • Proposals for SMARTLINK including Park and Ride.
  • M20 J10a consultation complete by September 2008. Scheme on track for delivery by 2013 (subsequent to approval).

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.