Kentish Express Ashford & District
Small traders set to open department store in days
Jazz night
An independent department store is set to fully open in the town centre in the next few days.
The Collection Ashford, comprising a group of independent traders, has taken over the old Merchant Chandler store, headed by businessman Julian Silver.
Bauhaus Café, Xanadu boutique, Cotton Royale and a lingerie and clothing company will each have units in the huge building, which is still owned by the Arcadia Group.
Mr Silver, said he thinks the store will breathe a new lease of Popular local jazz musicians the Dulcie May and Stephen Bridgland Jazz Duo will be performing a special gig at the Bauhaus Cafe on Thursday, life into the high street.
The Merchant Chandler closed in April 2014, leaving the building empty and in great need of restorative attention, both externally and internally.
Builders, fitters and decorators have worked tirelessly for months to revamp the North December 15. The event, from 6pm to 8pm, is free.
Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks, but The Collection Ashford asks that people buy a speciality cake, sandwich, tea, coffee or pastry from the cafe. Street building.
Local builder Davey Jackson has been at the forefront of the work for the past three months.
Mr Silver added: “It’s been a long road. We have taken a considerable amount of time and invested a vast amount of money to restore the building to its former glory, including getting all of the external lighting back in full use.
“There are a few areas of the building still to undergo refurbishment but we have some very exciting plans for these areas in the new year. We would like to bring a bit of variety and creativity to the town centre.”
Mr Silver said two further businesses were expected to move in next year, and restorative work would continue for the next few months.
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