The proposed new apartments were designed by Clague Architects for East Street Homes, a London company which specialises in bringing forward brownfield sites and buildings for residential development.
Pat Mills, Partner at Clague, said: “The option to deliver high quality apartments in the centre of the town, on a site vacant for many years and increasingly viewed by the community as an eyesore, was a compelling one for Ashford Borough Council.”
Located close to the Ashford Designer Outlet Centre and a short walk from the domestic and international railway stations, the Klondyke development is aimed at the town’s growing community of first time-buyers and young professionals.
The site became available when the plans for the Ashford International Model Railway Museum changed locations.
Pat Mills added: “The site on New Town Road isn’t without its challenges but the new apartment blocks, modern in design and using yellow stock bricks to reflect the railway heritage will put new homes in the centre of the town boosting local retailers, restaurants and the night-time economy.
“When completed, the development will send out yet another positive message about Ashford and its commitment to growth.”
As part of the brief, Clague worked closely with Ashford Borough Council’s planners, and the consultant team including planning, ecologists and highways.
Having received no objections from statutory consultees, the planning application secured planning officers’ support and was granted approval at the recent planning committee.
It is hoped the redevelopment of Klondyke Works will generate interest in the redevelopment of the nearby New Town Works, another large site which has remained vacant for many years.
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