Approximate Population: 58,936

Ashford, Kent, is one of the fastest growing areas in England, with rapid growth in the population and the infrastructure needed to support the town.

In 2004 Regional Planning Guidance for Ashford set out plans to deliver over 13,000 homes by 2016. Overall, the area has the capacity to deliver a total of 31,000 new homes and 28,000 new jobs by 2031. New housing estates are planned, in particular the area of Cheeseman’s Green, to the east of the town.

The town’s ring road, with the town centre sitting as an island, was converted back into a two-way operation in 2007, after 30 years as a one way system, at a cost of £10m. This will allow the town centre to expand and accommodate the increasing population. The new two-way route incorporates the first shared space scheme in the country. An integral arts program, Lost O, curated by the artist Michael Pinsky, was developed as part of this scheme but has been highly controversial and has now been removed from the road to avoid confusion by the passing drivers.

The main shopping centre, County Square, has been expanded and opened mid 2008. It is twice the size of the original and houses many well-known stores. In addition a new Waitrose store is set to open in 2009. The nightclub M20, is to be rebuilt on a new site on Eureka Leisure Park. The new train line High Speed One will access London in 37 minutes. Preview services launched in July 2009, and the full service is due December 2009.

Chartered Surveyors Ashford Kent

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