A flood of new employment will boost the local economy in Ashford, Kent, in Southeast England as a major office and light industrial development takes shape, along with massive expansion plans for the area’s retail hub.
The Waterbrook scheme comprises 45 acres of commercial premises, residential homes and a secure area for up to 600 lorries. ‘These proposals will help Ashford, and Kent, secure the jobs, secure parking for HGVs and houses that it needs,’ said Darrell Healey of the developers GSE Group. ‘Waterford will deliver for Ashford by supporting the growth of existing local business and helping attract new ones. Ashford’s connectivity, thanks to high-speed rail and Eurostar, and the new junction 10a on the M20, will mean that it is set for further economic growth and the outlook for the borough is positive,’ said Healey.
A linear park with a small lake will divide the commercial property, providing employment for up to 750 people, from the 400 homes.
At nearby McArthurGlen Ashford shopping centre, a £90 million expansion scheme is under way, with McLaren Construction leading the work. There will be a further 100,000 square feet, on top of the existing 185,000 square feet, providing space for 50 new brands and a food piazza, creating another 500 jobs.
‘After four years of meticulous planning, we’re incredibly excited to confirm that building works on the new extension will commence this January [2018],’ said Peter Corr, centre manager at McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Ashford. ‘Over the next 18 months we will be investing £90 million into the centre to elevate the whole shopping experience.’ The extension is scheduled to open in autumn 2019.
GRE Assets has a major development in Ashford
