Brompton plans for £100 million bicycle factory in Ashford

Bicycle manufacturer Brompton is planning to build a new bicycle factory and HQ in Ashford, Kent. 

Last week, the cabinet of Ashford Borough Council considered the proposal for the new bicycle factory in Ashford. 

Independent bicycle company Brompton is described as the largest bicycle manufacturer in the UK, and hand-builds bikes with a 3-part-fold. 

Award-winning architect Guy Hollaway will submit his plans for the development in April for approval to turn the 100-acre wetland site into Brompton’s new factory and HQ.

Brompton will be partnering up with Ashford Borough Council and developer Quinn Estates to work on the project. 

The factory site will need to be constructed on stilts as the whole area is a floodplain and susceptible to floods during heavy rainfall.

The construction is said to provide an opportunity to restore the surrounding wetland and promote more cycling and walking in the local community. 

Construction workers will build the bicycle factory using low carbon methods and materials. In addition to this, Brompton will use this development to deliver their emission reduction targets as part of its net zero objectives.

The company’s current bicycle factory based in Greenford, West London, is expected to continue to operate for another eight years. 

Brompton’s CEO, Will Butler-Adams, said: “London was the inspiration for the Brompton and our success is in large part due to our diverse and skilled staff who continue to nurture and develop our company.

“By choosing Ashford we can retain this strong connection to London and the UK, while being on the doorstep of Europe.

“We have a long journey ahead with the planning and development of the new site, but we’re thankful for the support of Ashford Borough Council, Hollaway Studios and Quinn Estates towards achieving our combined ambition to build this revolutionary and sustainable bicycle factory of the future.”