Future town parking vision

Ashford Borough Council is looking at the future options to increase parking provision in the town centre, including the proposal to build a new multi storey car park on the existing car park site on Station Road.

The town centre offer is changing therefore the council needs to ensure there remains enough parking provision to meet demand in the future, while also allowing regeneration and development opportunities to come forward, which will benefit the overall prosperity of the borough.

Cllr Brad Bradford, Portfolio Holder for Community and Wellbeing,said:

“Ashford Town Centre is going from strength to strength. Ensuring a supply of modern and safe parking to complement the economic growth that is taking place is vital for all who work and visit the town.”

Last night (Thursday 12th July), the Cabinet agreed to look at the options for the site behind the Bowling Alley to maximise the number of parking spaces available to visitors.

The future redevelopment of Dover Place car park and the temporary Elwick Place car park opposite the Ashford College has the potential to create a shortage of parking provision in years to come therefore building a multi storey car park would mitigate against the spaces lost to redevelopment and potentially deliver additional spaces overall.

“This is a vital piece in the jigsaw of Ashford’s revitalisation and regeneration,” Cllr Bradford added.

“New parking provision is needed to accommodate new residents, visitors and businesses as the town continues to transform. A multi-storey car park also gives flexibility for the next phases of regeneration.

The Cabinet agreed to authorise expenditure of up to £190,000 to scope the options available to the council to construct a multi storey car park on the existing Station Road car park site.

Cllr Neil Shortner, Portfolio Holder for IT and Finance added:

“This is fully in line with the council’s aspiration to make the town more welcoming for both residents and visitors and to help businesses to thrive in the current evolution of our town centre.