A council-led leisure complex is creating more than 30 jobs as tenants begin moving in.

Elwick Place opened in Ashford's Elwick Road opened in December 2018 following a £75 million construction project.

Launching with a Picturehouse cinema and Travelodge hotel, tenants appeared hard to find.

By March 2020, only Macknade and Snap Fitness had moved onto the site.

However over the course of the lockdown a number of businesses have said they'll be joining Elwick Place, bringing with them more than 30 jobs.

A particularly important day is May 17, when the government roadmap out of lockdown is scheduled to allow indoor mixing.

One business opening that day is Matches, Sports Bar, Grill & Social - a venture which will feature Ashford's first facility to pour your own beers.

Founder Jon Shephard said: "Matches is excited to open its doors on May 17, to coincide with the rule of six indoors.

"It's been far too long since we've been able to socialise with family and friends over a drink and a bite to eat, and Matches hopes to provide a fun, friendly and sociable environment for our customers to help get us back to normality”.

Another business waiting for May 17 is Unita 4, which will add a family-friendly Italian restaurant to the mix.

Though the eatery began serving customers on its terrace on Wednesday, the owners are eager to have a grand opening of the entire unit in a month's time.

Dansaki, an Afro-Caribbean restaurant, announced it was coming to Elwick Place in 2019 but has yet to fully launch.

It has not yet been confirmed whether Dansaki will still be opening.

Another venture opening soon is The Gastronomist Club, which is situated next to Dansaki's unit.

The Gastronomist will offer fine dining experiences lasting a couple of hours.

A spokesman for Elwick Place said: "We are pleased to see the Elwick Place brand finally showcase its full potential and, more importantly, assist with the ongoing issue of unemployment in Ashford.

“The new tenant openings hope to provide a ‘breath of fresh air’ and something completely new to the scheme."

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