Kentish Express Ashford & District
Outlet expansion work to start early next year
An extension to the Ashford Designer Outlet will open within two years – with building expected to start in January.
Bosses at McArthurGlen, which owns the centre, are building 50 more stores and 1,000 parking spaces.
The extension on the existing food court and coach drop-off point is due to open in autumn 2019.
Centre manager Peter Corr said: “Plans to expand McArthurGlen Ashford began more than three years ago and it is now reaching the pivotal moment where construction can begin in the coming months.
“It is an incredibly exciting project for the local area and proudly forms part of Ashford Borough Council’s Big 8 development programme.
“Not only will phase two deliver up to 50 brand new stores and restaurants for visitors and 1,200 additional parking spaces, the expansion will also create more than 500 jobs in Ashford.”
“On t r ack t o open in autumn 2019, the expansion will enhance both the brand mix and the cafe and restaurant offering for visitors.”
Restaurants in the existing food court were expected to shut in November, but the McDonald’s will now close on The escalator and stairs have been demolished already, but the turquoise tiled wall which was originally behind the delicatessen counter can be seen. The red and white Tesco walls Saturday, January 6. The play area will also be demolished to make way for the extension, but will be replaced.
McDonald’s franchisee Paul Crocker says the fast-food chain will get a new standalone site with 200 seats as part of the redevelopment.
He said in September: “The current food court is going to be ripped out and the whole outlet extended i nto the coach drop-off point. are also still there so it was nice to go in and keep a photographic record of it.”
County Square spokesman
“Unfortunately there will be a period of closure between moving out and the new unit being built.
“We are not sure how long that period will be, but it will hopefully be just a few months.
“We are looking forward to our new restaurant because it will be heated rather than our current place which can only be described as a wind tunnel. The food court has no Lesley Farnborough says Poundland is likely to open at the end of February or beginning of March. solid roof – the wind comes in between the gaps and we have had staff wearing jumpers and gloves in there because it has been so cold.”
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