The site occupies a strategic position between the towns main County Square Shopping Centre and Ashford's international/domestic railway stations. Comprising some 2.6 hectares, the area offers the opportunity to create a potential mixed-use development in excess of 54,000m, featuring retail, leisure facilities, offices and residential accommodation.
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A shortlist of five quality developers has been drawn up in consultation with Jones Lang LaSalle, who has been appointed to give advice on the marketing and disposal of the site.
The five shortlisted companies are: Capital & Counties Ltd; Modus Ventures Ltd; Places for People Homes Ltd; St Modwen Developments Ltd and Syanhope plc.
SEEDA, in consultation with its public sector partners, will select a preferred bidder by May 2008. The Agency will then work in partnership with the successful party to bring forward the development of the site.
The redevelopment of this key strategic site will coincide with the significant improvements in rail connections and the resulting increase in market demand for Ashford that will be created by the opening of the HS1 domestic rail service in December 2009 bringing the town within 37 minutes journey time of London.
The completion of the greater Ashford's Development Framework identifies the key components for creating a successful and sustainable town and the delivery of over 31,000 new homes and 28,000 new jobs by 2031.
(JM)
