The Coachworks, Ashford
What is The Coachworks?
Developed by Turner Works, The Coachworks is a ‘meanwhile’ development which will transform Dover Place in Ashford, by reviving disused industrial buildings in the area, including the former Ashford Youth Theatre, which will include a new co-working space, a food & drink destination and an outdoor event space.
The Yard
Opened in August 2019, the Yard includes an outdoor bar and food stalls, alongside an event space for to watch live sports or film screening. You will be able to enjoy a refreshing pint from Boutilliers whilst eating a delicious pizza from Il Pakkero, mouth-watering American BBQ from StreetKing Smock Shack or mexican inspired dishes from California Cravings. The Coffee Shed also serve fresh brews from 6am until 2pm.
Zero waste shop Bare Bazaar have also opened their new shop in The Yard.
If you would like to join them at The Coachworks and rent a food stall in the Hothouse, get in touch with the Coachworks team to find out more.
The Platform
A new shared office space in the old Corn Store, the Platform opened at the beginning of October 2019. It includes a co-working area, with desks available to rent from £150/month or £100 for 10 days. Your co-working membership will include a roaming desk, a chair, Wi-Fi access to facilities and utilities, including printing and copying, kitchenette, break-out space, and much more. The co-working area is open from 8am until 8pm.
It also includes individual studio spaces (different studio sizes available). This new workspace is perfect for freelance creatives in Ashford and surrounding areas looking to leave their home office and join a collaborative work environment. Small creative businesses looking for studio space will also be able to enjoy everything Ashford has to offer as Kent’s Number One business location at a competitive price.
For more information on rent prices and to become a member, head to the Coachworks website.
The Hothouse
After opening in December 2019, the Hothouse is located in the old Ashford Youth Theatre. This trendy location features food stalls and an event space where people can come and enjoy a great day or night out, including food markets hosted by Kent Food Hubs.
The Coachworks opening hours
The Coachworks is now fully open. Opening hours are as follows:
The Platform co-working: from 8am until 8pm seven days a week.
The Yard: Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12pm - Late (subject to weather conditions) Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
The Hot House: Thursday, Friday, Saturday: 12pm - Late Sunday: 12pm - 5pm
Address
The Coachworks Dover Place Ashford Kent TN23 1HU
The inspiration behind The Coachworks
Turner Works have developed an imaginative and innovative concept for Ashford Borough Council, unlike anything else in Kent, using the existing fabric of the buildings. They have built upon the town’s history to deliver the design and final concepts, using Ashford’s history as a trade centre to build a new space for creative innovators.
The name of the project itself, The Coachworks, pays homage to coachbuilders who were based there back in the 1960s.
The Vision for The Coachworks
When speaking with Carl Turner, he explained the vision for the project is to create a public foyer, where people can come and hang out, and likens it to the South Bank in London. His team wants to create a place where people in Ashford can come and enjoy a moment together, where creativity and experimentation can thrive. It offers a space for young creatives to come together, work with like-minded people and bring a fresh sense of enterprise and experimentation in Ashford.
Turner Works / Carl Turner Architects
The Coachworks is developed by Turner Works, formerly known as Carl Turner Architects, an innovative studio who has developed projects such as Pop Brixton and Peckham Levels.
I want more information
If you’d like to find out more about The Coachworks, get in touch with their team or check their website for more information on rent prices and opportunities.
