Ashford College Phase Three Expansion

EKC Ashford College has secured planning approval for a new three-storey extension, marking a significant investment in education, skills development and future workforce growth in Ashford.

Approved by Ashford Borough Council, the extension will be built on land between the existing campus and Memorial Gardens off Station Road. The new development is designed to support the college’s expanding student population, which now exceeds 1,200 learners.

The proposed three-storey building will deliver 10 additional classrooms, two IT suites, five staff rooms, a student games area and a café, creating enhanced learning and social spaces for students and staff. The project, led by East Kent Colleges Group, is expected to cost £8.5 million, with funding currently being sought to move construction forward.

Since taking on Ashford College in 2020, EKC has overseen an 88% increase in student attendance, bringing the current campus to full capacity. The expansion will allow the college to respond to growing demand and introduce new courses, including T-levels in media and digital production, which require specialist facilities.

For Ashford’s business community, the development signals a positive step in strengthening the local talent pipeline. By expanding training capacity and enhancing specialist provision, the investment is expected to help equip more young people with the skills needed to support the town’s future economic growth.