Kentish Express Ashford & District
Opinions invited on rail museum plans
Opinions are invited on the plans for a proposed model railway museum in Ashford.
The Ashford International Model Railway Education Centre (AIMREC) group has submitted a screening opinion application to Ashford Borough Council (ABC) ahead of the full planning application, which is expected to be submitted by the end of the month.
The scheme involves a full redevelopment of the old Klondyke Railway Works site in Newtown.
Details include a 30,000 sq ft building with a huge display area, lecture and demonstration theatre, specialist model shop, cafe and observation deck for visitors to watch the Eurostar travel over the viaduct.
Residents are invited to take part in a public consultation for the plans this Saturday and Sunday at the Ashford Designer Outlet in Kimberley Way.
Site plans, access details and architect designs of the proposals will be on display and comments will be welcomed.
Cliff Parsons, who is co-ordinating the project, said: “We are moving forward and looking forward to our consultation this weekend to see what the pu blic thinks.”
The proposed museum has received high profile celebrity endorsement, including from The Who frontman Roger Daltrey and TV presenter and musician Jools Holland.
Mr Parsons said Jools Holland would have liked to attend this weekend, but unfortunately is unwell.
Rocker Daltrey, a model railway enthusiast, formally accepted the role of joint patron of AIMREC last year, sharing the role with millionaire businessman Sir William McAlpine.