Construction work at Elwick Place, the two-hectare development zone in the heart of Ashford town centre, is now underway. Redwood Consulting is providing marketing and communications support for the scheme, which is being brought forward by developer Stanhope PLC, in conjunction with Ashford Borough Council.

The works in Ashford will see main contractor LendLease transform derelict land into a vibrant new leisure quarter for the town with a six-screen Picturehouse cinema, hotel and series of restaurants and cafes and a new 282-space car park. Travelodge has also been confirmed as running the new 58-room hotel as part of the development.

The work has been able to begin in earnest following the formal completion of an unconditional agreement between Ashford Borough Council and Stanhope PLC that will see the local authority fund the construction of Elwick Place on land it owns.

Redwood has worked with Stanhope throughout the life of the project to date, helping successfully secure planning consent and now leading on communications for the site. Working with Ashford Borough Council and LendLease, Redwood ran a successful ‘start on site’ event and has guided the development of a thorough programme of community engagement for the local community. The team has also created a media protocol, managed the creation of hoardings for the site and announced the start of work to local and trade media.

Elwick Place is one element of a wider £519 million investment in developments in Ashford town centre currently under construction or with construction expected to start within the next few years, building on the town’s unique position with its high-speed rail route to Central London and Europe.

With the resident population of the borough’s catchment area expected to rise to more than 300,000 by 2025, it is hoped that this new development will provide approximately 250 jobs for the community and offer an exciting new all-day and evening destination for people to spend their leisure time.