Old court building gets cutting

tcollins@thekmgroup.co.uk The former Ashford magistrates’ court will soon have a new lease of life, with refurbishment work now under way.

Young people’s charity CXK was granted permission to turn the Tufton Street building into its new headquarters last November.

CXK, formerly Connexions, works with public, private and charity partners, as well as schools and colleges, to deliver a range of services aimed at helping young people and families.

The former magistrates’ and county court building, which is being refurbished by Maidstone firm RAP Interior, will offer a state of the art information and guidance ‘one-stop shop’ for the public.

CXK’s CEO Sean Kearns said: “We are all incredibly excited about having a modern and permanent central base that will support our teams.

“It will also give our service users a single point of access to all the support services we offer.

“Our aim is to maximise the potential of all young people and their families through advice

To discuss the hire of meeting rooms and office space, email stephenbell@cxk.org or call 01233 645852 and guidance, providing them with the skills and the confidence to help them to progress.

“The opening of the new building reverses the recent trend that has seen many local services close for our client group.

“It is our aim to increase accessibility to vital services as part of our wider strategy to support young people and families to maximise their potential.”

Once refurbished, CXK’s clients will be able to access a range of services, including careers guidance, mental health and well-being services, as well as training, leadership and development courses for young people.

And the new base of operations will also feature first-floor training rooms and office space, which can be hired out to other organisations.

An artist’s impressions of the new CXK HQ based at the town’s former court building

The court building in Tufton Street being redeveloped