Work on a new Ashford home for a world-class dance troupe is scheduled to get under way in January.

The Jasmin Vardimon Company’s new ‘creative laboratory’ will be built in Javelin Way on the Henwood Industrial Estate, alongside 29 industrial units being constructed to pay for it.

A new base has been on the cards for a number of years as one of Ashford Borough Council’s ‘Big 8’ projects and the scheme was approved in 2019.

Despite being approved last April, no work has started yet on the site and KCC - which is partially behind the plan - has now announced that construction will begin in the new year.

It is hoped Ramsgate-based contractor WW Martin Ltd will finish the project by spring 2022.

The new building will include space for the creation of the company’s touring productions, as well as for rehearsals, training, educational and community classes.

So called ‘incubator spaces’ will also be available for small creative businesses.

Its expected that 8,000 Ashford residents and a further 5,000 across Kent will participate in the company’s training once the new facility is built.

The group moved to Ashford in 2012, taking up residence at the Stour Centre.

Jasmin Vardimon Company took over two units at the Ashford Designer Outlet in January, and currently use them as its interim offices and studio.

The new Henwood facility has been made possible due to £3m of capital investment from Arts Council England, alongside £750,000 of capital investment from Ashford Borough Council and investment of £578,724 secured by KCC from the ‘Getting Building Fund’.

Ian Ross, Jasmin Vardimon Company’s executive director, said: “We are delighted with this news and it is testament to the continued support for the arts and culture in Ashford and Kent.

“Our new home will provide not only a high-quality creative base for our own internationally important work but also enable us to expand our connection with the local community and support emerging talent.

“Building on our success at the Ashford Designer Outlet and our significantly increased digital activities over the past year, we look forward to further connecting our global and local communities through our work.

“We would like to thank our partners Arts Council England, Kent County Council and Ashford Borough Council who have worked with us to make this project a reality.”

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council said: “The Jasmin Vardimon Company is one of Britain’s flagship dance and theatre companies, and we are delighted they chose Ashford as the location for their dance studio.

“This project will provide more cultural space for the company to expand its offer and be able to share its inspiring work with local audiences.

“We look forward to it being able to showcase the art of dance and choreography here and ensure local audiences can take part in its inspiring work.”

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