Demolition of town eyesore set to begin

tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk Work has begun to turn an eyesore site in the town centre into affordable housing.

Affinity Sutton has confirmed that contractors are now starting the first stages of demolishing Ashdown Court in North Street, Ashford.

Workmen recently replaced blue wooden boards surrounding the derelict building, which were ripped down by stormy weather in October.

Affinity’s regional development director Joyce Ferguson said: “We are really pleased to be starting work on site at Ashdown Court and are delighted to be delivering much needed new affordable housing for the area.

“Ashdown Court is in a great location, with easy access to Ashford International train station and the M20.

“This, along with the affordable rent offer, makes it ideal for hard working families ordinarily priced out of the private rental market.”

In April 2013, we reported how Ashford Borough Council had granted permission for the redevelopment of the block of 45 former council flats, which became notorious for problems with crime and anti-social behaviour.

The dilapidated building, which has been compared to a prison block, will be knocked down and 27 new affordable homes built on the site.

They will be made up of two three-bedroom houses, 20 twobedroom apartments and five one-bedroom apartments, with associated parking and bicycle storage.

All of the properties will be available at affordable rents, up to 80% of the market rate, and are aimed at people and families on low to middle incomes.

The development has been designed in a contemporary style to compliment the surrounding properties and will be built with sustainability in mind.

Work is expected to be completed by Spring 2015

What do you think? Write to Kentish Express, 34-36 North Street, Ashford, TN24 8JR or email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

An artist’s impression of new housing at Ashdown Court and what the site looks like now