Exciting plans to build a five screen cinema and 60-room hotel in Ashford town centre have been unveiled.

A major scheme to revitalise the wasteland in Elwick Place has already been discussed by members of Ashford Borough Council’s (ABC) Strategic Delivery Board (ASDB) but details have only just been released.

They show a planning application for the ambitious development off Elwick Road, opposite the Debenhams department store, could be submitted as early as next month.

As well as creating a new cinema and hotel, the proposal includes plans to build a car park and several bars and restaurants on the vacant land, which is located between Elwick Road and the railway line.

A description of the project states that it would “provide outstanding opportunities for retail and leisure uses and the creation of new jobs, while also strengthening the town centre’s attractions and night-time economy.”

Plans include transforming the 26,900 sqm site, which is on brownfield land, for a mix of retail, leisure and residential use.

The development would see up to 20,000 sqm of new floor space created for the new restaurants and bars, and a 60-room hotel, a 261 car park, and five-screen cinema also developed.

The plans also include building 153 homes and associated parking, although it is not clear if these will be flats, houses or a mix of both.

The cinema, restaurants and car park have been earmarked as phase one of the development.

Is it not known which cinema chain will be moving to the development, but the report states that developers Stanhope Plc “has confirmed that a deal with a cinema operator is close to being concluded.”

During the ASDB meeting, which is closed to members of the public, Paul McKenner, ABC’s strategic housing and property manager, said that it was hoped that a planning application for the development would be submitted in January.

The team from Stanhope Plc, who are development entrepreneurs based in London, are planning to hold a public exhibition.

If the project is approved, construction could start in late 2015/2016 and, when complete, could create up to 600 jobs.

A council spokesman said: “The developer of the land on the south side of Elwick Road – Stanhope PLC – has been working hard to put together a mixed use proposal including a town centre cinema, restaurants, a hotel and residential apartments.

“The council’s approved plan for the area envisages this combination of uses to complement the major investment in the County Square Shopping Centre and the Elwick Road shared space project.

“Pre-application discussions continue to be held with the council and it is hoped that a scheme will be available for public consultation in the New Year.”

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