Exciting new chapter for Elwick Place
Posted on 19 March 2026Ashford Borough Council has officially unveiled plans to transform Elwick Place into a vibrant leisure and cultural destination, reinforcing its commitment to revitalising the town centre.
Under a long-term lease agreement, the cinema and Units 1–5 will be secured, alongside introducing a family-focused entertainment offer designed to attract visitors both during the day and evening.
We are pleased to announce a new 20-year lease for Elwick Place, covering both the cinema and the ground-level units underneath. This new lease will secure the long-term future of The Ashford Cinema, building on its recent success story, and bringing forward a new leisure and entertainment in the units below. Elwick Place is central to our vision for a thriving town centre. These plans will not only secure the cinema’s future but also create a family destination and supports local businesses.
Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council
The new-look destination will combine the cinema with social games entertainment, live events, and a new workspace—all in one location. The vision is to create an all-day space where people can move between work, play, cinema, and socialise all under one roof.
The entertainment centre will appeal to all age groups and maintain strong community links and activities developed with the council’s support. The new offer will feature four key elements: cinema, live events, social game entertainment, and workspace as well as a full food and bar offer.
The team behind this transformation, The Big Picture, has a proven track record in operating successful cinema and leisure ventures, and were behind the successful relaunch of the cinema in April 2024 in partnership with Ashford Borough Council.
Our aim is to create a new destination for Ashford that combines the cinema, the best of social game entertainment, live events and workspace. This will be all-day space where people can move fluidly from work through to an array of social activities, all in one location. Games will include nine bowling lanes, batting cage, interactive darts, shuffle and golf, simulators and more.
Keith Pullinger, Spokesperson for The Big Picture
Work will commence soon, with the new leisure offer expected to launch by late summer 2026. The Ashford Cinema will continue to remain open for business as usual while the new leisure and entertainment facilities are developed in the ground floor units.
