Kentish Express Ashford & District
Jasmin Vardimon dance studio plan given green light
The last of council’s ‘Big 8’ projects gets nod
The last of the council’s ‘Big 8’ projects breezed through the planning process with unanimous approval.
The multi-million pound Jasmin Vardimon Company dance studio scheme will now be built on land on the Henwood Industrial Estate.
It is hoped the development off Javelin Way will allow the world-renowned contemporary dance company - which is currently based at the Stour Centre - to expand.
The scheme is one of Ashford Borough Council’s Big 8 projects – a series of major schemes including Elwick Place that the council says will transform Ashford and regenerate the town centre.
The two-storey ‘Creative Laboratory’ scheme will contain rehearsal space, an administrative office for the dance company and a public café.
In the proposal lodged by Kent County Council in November, 29 light industrial and business units were included to “form an enabling development to generate capital/income to KCC”.
The plans were approved by ABC last week.
Cllr Graham Galpin - ABC’s portfolio holder for corporate property - said at the committee meeting: “How lucky are we? I can’t believe how fortunate we are to have a jewel in our crown like Jasmin Vardimon to improve our cultural offer.
“I’ll also say that the Jasmin Vardimon Company is part of our Big 8 projects, the last to be delivered.
“This is a great opportunity to help this brilliant dance company to take on its global possibilities and it all started in Ashford.”
Cllr Chris Waters said: “I want to focus on the industrial side of the application.
“We spend a lot of time talking about houses, but what we want to do is encourage a cohesive mix of industry, housing and cultural spaces in Ashford.
“I think this application absolutely ticks that box.”
Council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson was jubilant about the plan, saying: “As well as being a highly regarded dance manager, Jasmin’s company has been involved with a number of local schools and actually falls into the national curriculum.”
Following the unanimous approval, the site will now be cleared of its high density of slow worms and newts, which will be relocated to Godinton.
■ What do you think about the dance studio scheme? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk