A local authority-led partnership has been set up to take forward development in Ashford, Kent, following the winding down of Ashford’s Future company at the end of this month.
Cllr Peter Wood, leader of Ashford council, said: “Given the coalition government’s focus on localism, and the harsh economic climate, we have reassessed the most appropriate way for Ashford to manage its future development. Asshford’s Future has played an important part in securing funding and facilitating the delivery of new infrastructure in the town. However, we are now operating in different times. We are entering into a new phase of development for Ashford, and we will continue to work with our partners – the new Local Enterprise Partnership and the private sector – to ensure Ashford remains a prosperous and vibrant borough.”
From 1 April, a local authority-led partnership approach between Ashford borough council and Kent county council will take forward the borough’s development, which includes Ashford’s Commercial Quarter, Victoria Way, the junction 9/Drovers Roundabout improvements, Ashford Gateway Plus and Arts at St Mary’s.
Judith Armitt, managing director of the Ashford’s Future, said: “The company has achieved a great deal in a short period of time, including securing significant funding for the town and delivering projects.”
She added: “These are difficult economic times, but it is important that partners continue to help the town realise its fantastic potential for becoming the powerhouse of Kent. Ashford remains the only town in Britain with a door-to-door high-speed service to London. It is vital this opportunity to bring more and better jobs and homes to Ashford is taken forward.
Since the decision to wind down the company was made at the end of 2010, Ashford’s Future, working closely with the local councils, the Homes and Communities Agency and South East England Development Agency has agreed a transition plan so that almost all the company’s projects are completed or terminated by the end of this month.
samantha.mcclary@estatesgazette.com
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