Sir Terry Farrell outlined his plans for a £2.5bn regeneration of Ashford yesterday.
Regeneration agency Ashford’s Future will oversee the investment programme, which plans to double the size of the Kent town by 2031 to 135,000.
Plans were unveiled at the Ashford International Hotel to an audience of business leaders, investors and developers.
The masterplan includes a new Station Quarter, a Commercial Quarter, an iconic bridge built across the railway line, and work to “repair the town centre’s edges”.
In total the town will gain 31,000 new homes and 28,000 new jobs through the investment – around 7,500 of these homes are due to be completed by 2021.
There are also three new parks planned, new transport links, a new civic centre, and with a £1.2m investment in refurbishing the town’s arts and performance space at St Mary’s Church.
Ashford’s Future Managing Director Judith Armitt said: “Sir Terry has exciting ideas for Ashford and I know he’s looking forward to sharing these with us at this event. We have ambitious goals for Ashford and with Sir Terry’s help we are embarking on an exciting journey for the town and its people.”
Sir Terry said: “Ashford has the potential to turn into one of the UK’s most prosperous and dynamic towns.
“With the Eurostar rail link providing a gateway to Europe, and the introduction of the fast train service to London, Ashford encompasses many of the qualities I believe are vital for vibrant communities.”
Ashford’s Future is a partnership combining Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, SEEDA, the Homes and Communities Agency, the Environment Agency, the Learning and Skills Council, South East England Regional Asembly and the Highways Agency.
