A once-promising film studio project has taken a dramatic twist, with a new vision emerging for the site. 800 flats are now set to rise from the ashes of a historic railway works, a significant increase from the initial proposal. But is this transformation a cause for celebration or concern?
The story begins with Netflix, the streaming giant, who had grand plans to establish its UK base at Ashford's Newtown railway works, a site that has been neglected for years. However, the film studios idea hit a snag, and the project took a different direction. Ashford International Development Company (AIDC), the driving force behind the bid, scrapped the studios in 2022, citing various challenges. This decision left many wondering about the site's future.
Fast forward to the present, and AIDC has unveiled a revised plan for a primarily residential development. The new proposal includes a staggering 815 homes, comprising 793 flats and 22 townhouses, a significant increase from the initial 303 flats. This expansion raises questions about the site's capacity and the impact on the local community.
The development will utilize the Grade II-listed former locomotive sheds, adding 412 flats, and the existing engine shed will accommodate another 20 flats. Four new buildings, constructed on land once intended for the studios, will feature 361 flats and the remaining townhouses. A two-storey car park will also be built within these new blocks.
But here's where it gets controversial: the plans include no affordable housing. AIDC attributes this to delays caused by 'nutrient neutrality' issues and challenges in the film and TV industry. Since 2020, housebuilding in the region has faced hurdles due to nutrient pollution in nearby waterways, particularly the Stodmarsh Nature Reserve.
And this is the part most people miss: while housebuilding is still allowed, it requires 'nutrient neutrality' credits to offset pollution. This has significantly slowed down construction in the area.
Despite the challenges, AIDC remains optimistic. They believe the project will unlock the potential of Ashford's largest brownfield site, providing much-needed housing and contributing to the area's regeneration. The development includes various amenities, such as ground floor shop units, a gym, and a new signal-controlled crossing for pedestrians.
The project has already received significant financial backing, with a £50 million loan granted by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) in March 2023 and £14.7 million of Levelling Up funding from the government in 2021. However, the completion timeline is estimated to be a lengthy seven years.
As the plans unfold, it's clear that this development has sparked a range of opinions. Some see it as a positive step towards urban renewal, while others may question the lack of affordable housing and the impact on the local environment. What do you think? Is this transformation a triumph or a missed opportunity? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
