Loop - A boost for Ashford’s visitor and evening economy
Posted on 24 September 2026Ashford’s evolving cinema will become an all-day destination for film, food, games, events and flexible workspace, creating more than 30 new roles.
A significant new leisure investment is set to open at Elwick Place on 27 November 2026, adding fresh energy to Ashford’s town-centre economy.
The Ashford Cinema is evolving into Loop, an all-day entertainment and lifestyle destination combining cinema, food and drink, social games, live events and flexible workspace. The expanded offer will create more reasons for residents, workers and visitors to spend time in Ashford throughout the day and into the evening.
The development builds on two years of progress under The Big Picture, during which cinema admissions increased by more than 25%. That growth has helped secure the venue’s long-term future and demonstrates growing confidence in Ashford as a place to invest, visit and do business.
A boost for Ashford’s visitor and evening economy
Loop will introduce 11 social and interactive experiences, including bowling, golf simulators, interactive darts and karaoke, supported by a varied programme of comedy, live music, quizzes and community activities. A new food and drink offer and central bar will further strengthen the venue’s appeal and encourage longer, more varied visits to the town centre.
Flexible half-day and full-day workspace passes, alongside membership options, will also provide a convenient place for people to work and meet outside a traditional office. Together, the leisure, hospitality and workspace offer will support greater footfall and complement Ashford’s growing mix of town-centre businesses.
Loop is about creating somewhere that feels easy to come to and easy to enjoy. Whether you’re here for a film, coffee with a friend, a family day out, a few hours of work or an evening with friends, there’ll be plenty to experience and plenty of reasons to come back.
Keith Pullinger, The Big Picture
More than 30 new jobs for local people
The expansion will create more than 30 roles across entertainment, events, hospitality and workspace operations. The recruitment drive represents a welcome opportunity for local people and underlines the contribution that ambitious town-centre businesses can make to employment, skills and Ashford’s wider economic growth.
With further experiences and events still to be announced, Loop’s launch is a positive vote of confidence in Ashford’s future and another step in strengthening the town centre as a vibrant place to work, visit and enjoy.
Loop opens on Friday 27 November 2026. Businesses, residents and visitors can find out more, register interest in vacancies and sign up for launch updates at www.loopashford.com.