History of the other Godinton House

First constructed in the early 1970s for Volvo car dealer K&V Lipscomb, the redevelopment of Ashford’s former Fabric Warehouse shop is now complete.

Originally called Godinton House (but not to be confused with the town’s other historic Godinton House), the site later became Instyle Kitchens before the Club Q snooker club moved in above the Fabric Warehouse.

Now, seven years after the large shop shut for good, 28 flats and a Nisa convenience store have been built by BethersIan den-based Clarus Homes, with just two of the properties still to be sold.

Before construction began in early 2020, the site was targeted by squatters as vandals regularly broke into the building.

Two years on, Clarus Homes’ MD Chris Dickens says he is proud to have brought the site back into use and “improve the street scene at that end of Elwick Place”.

‘The Market Quarter’ – as it is now known – features a range of one, two and three-bed flats, with 41 parking spaces available to residents.

In the last week, the scheme has split opinion among readers on our website KentOnline.

Lucylou19 wrote: “It’s a shame about Club Q closing; Ashford could use a good snooker club.”

Renzogaudi said: “Wow, another convenience store to sell booze all day and most of the night – just what the centre of Ashford needs to enhance the street scene at this end of town.”

Hollis said: “Personally I consider the whole thing nothing to shout about or celebrate.

“How many flats does Ashford need?”

But Katarina Ramsden wrote: “I’m pretty convinced this building looks a damn sight better than a derelict warehouse and snooker club.”

Do you have any memories of the Godinton House site? Email kentishexpress@thekmgroup.co.uk

Steve Salter is away

Pictures: Gary Brown and Steve Salter The former Fabric Warehouse and Club Q building in 2015

A 1972 photo of the site which was first constructed for K&V Lipscomb as a car showroom

A Nisa convenience store and 28 flats are now at the prime Godinton Road site

The Club Q team won the Ashford Snooker League in 2009

Rresidents look at plans for development at Chilmington Green during an exhibition in the village hall at Shadoxhurst