Kentish Express Ashford & District
‘GHOST TOWN’
Restaurants still empty three months after opening of £75m complex - and taxpayers could soon foot bill
A new £75m leisure complex has been branded a “ghost town” as restaurants remain empty three months after the site opened.
The Elwick Place development in the town centre opened in December, bringing a six-screen Picturehouse cinema and Travelodge hotel to the town.
But eight restaurants initially expected to be filled by big-name chains still sit vacant - and it is expected taxpayers will soon have to pick up the rent bill.
Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab), who represents the Victoria ward which takes in the Elwick Place site, says Ashford BorA ough Council (ABC) “needs to be honest with people and say why firms are not interested”.
He said: “When it was first being talked about, they were mentioning big name restaurants, but now they are talking to independents.
“I am not saying local retailers shouldn’t be allowed in there, but it is an admission by the council that it can’t get any of the big boys.
“It is going to be a white elephant if they don’t start getting people in.”
Cllr Farrell says the site is “not living up to what was promised”.
“You never see anyone walking in or out of Elwick Place,” he said.
“I love Ashford and I want to make it work, but the taxpayers will be getting the bill soon if they are not filled.
“It is meant to make money for the council - not lose it.”
‘It is an admission by the council that it can’t get any of the big boys for the units...’ - Cllr Dara Farrell (Lab)