New business park opens - but not all units are occupied

Ex-Rimmel site had been derelict for years

Ashford’s latest business park has officially opened - but only a handful of units have been filled.

Three of the 28 warehouses and industrial units at Carlton Road Business Park are currently occupied, with another four under offer.

An official opening, attended by council leader Gerry Clarkson and Damian Green, was held at the park on the Cobbs Wood Estate last month.

Gallagher Properties built the new park on the former Rimmel site last year - which had previously sat derelict for 10 years.

Pat Gallagher, chairman of the Aylesford-based construction company, said at the opening ceremony how he is keen to find another suitable site in Ashford to build a second business park.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) purchased the 43,000 sq ft development last year in a bid to ease pressure on the Ellingham Business Park in South Ashford - which was at full capacity at the time of the purchase.

An ABC spokesman said the authority is pleased with the amount of interest in the site.

He said: “Three of the units are occupied with another four under offer.

“In addition, negotiations are ongoing with a number of companies who have expressed interest in taking space at Carlton Road.

“These businesses represent a range of sectors, including building and construction and electrical services.

“We are pleased with the level of interest being shown in Carlton Road.

“This shows that there is continued demand for commercial property across the borough.”

■ For further details and to arrange viewings, contact ABC's corporate property team by emailing cpp@ashford.gov.uk

Pat Gallagher, Gerry Clarkson and Damian Green at the opening of the business park

Carlton Road Business Park is located on Cobbs Wood