Ashford Studios construction set to start Summer 2023
Work on the new £250 million Ashford International Film Studios in Kent is set to begin in Summer of 2023.
The development, a joint venture between Ashford Borough Council and Quinn Estates, is expected to create around 2,000 jobs in the region.
Mark Quinn, CEO and Chairman of Quinn Estates, said: “Ashford International Studios is one of Kent’s most highly anticipated projects so it is fantastic to be taking it forward. The opportunity it presents in terms of job creation, skills growth and regeneration is phenomenal.
“We are extremely privileged to be involved in creating a lasting legacy for a site of such historical significance that has sat as one of the south-east’s largest brownfield sites for several decades. We look forward to progressing a project, which will be of huge benefit to local people.”
Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Ashford Borough Council Executive Leader, said: “This will be one of the most important economic drivers for the borough in the next few years, which is why it is one of our Super Six strategic projects and a key part of our Corporate Plan.
“These exciting proposals involve finding a new use for one of the longest listed buildings in the country, which is of significant historical value but has been left to decay. This development will sensitively ensure our proud railway heritage is recognised, while transforming a brownfield site which has laid dormant for many years into a Film and TV Studio hub together with a hotel, serviced apartments, conferencing facility and a health club.
“Not only will this put Ashford on the map nationally and internationally, it will also create sought after film studio space, provide thousands of jobs and make the town a hub for the creative arts industry, which is set to grow significantly in the future.”
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Enabled by Ashford Borough Council’s successful £14.7 million levelling up bid last year, with planning permission in place since September 2020, preparatory enabling and infrastructure work has been carried out ahead of next year’s full construction start.
Alongside four 20,000 square feet TV/film studios with associated post-production spaces, the site will also include a 120-bedroom hotel, 302 residential units and 62 serviced apartments along with a multi-storey carpark and retail, café, restaurant and gym space.
Ashford MP Damien Green, key Whitehall officials and other stakeholders were updated on the project’s progress so far at a recent event at nearby McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet.
Cllr Peter Feacey, Chairman of Ashford International Development Company (which has been set up to deliver the scheme), said: “In January this year Ashford Borough Council members agreed to proposals to set up a Development Company and funding arrangements to deliver the Newtown Works project.
“Since then, a huge amount of work has gone on behind the scenes and recently we have appointed a range of technical experts as we approach a really exciting stage of the project. Enabling works are already well underway on site and I look forward to seeing the development rise from the ground over the coming years.
“My fellow directors and I realise the great responsibility as well as a great privilege of delivering this project for the residents of Ashford and the wider international community.”
Ashford MP, Damian Green, said: “This exciting project is not only good for our local economy and the job prospects of many Ashford people, it is a great example of local and national Government working together. The Government has provided Levelling Up funds which have helped the council and the developers get to this stage, and we will all benefit from this collective effort.”
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Featured image credit: Ashford International Film Studios.
