£250m Newtown works scheme set for approval

Plans to transform a former Kent railway works into a mixed-use development featuring TV studios and a hotel are set to get the green light. Two applications relating to the scheme will be considered at Ashford Borough Council’s first fully virtual planning committee meeting next week (22 April) and are recommended for approval.The £250m project for Newtown Railway Works were unveiled last month by The Creative District Improvement Company (TCDI Co) and property developer Quinn Estates.The proposals for part of TCDI’s £500m plans to revolutionise the TV and film industry with a network of studios across the country and could generate 3,000 jobs for Kent.Under the plans, five grade II-listed buildings would be restored and converted to provide 80,000 sq ft of production space and a 50,000 sq ft mill store, along with a 30,000 media village which would include an educational hub.The project also includes a 120-room hotel, 68 serviced apartments, a creative industries conference centre and a 10,000 sq ft gym, restaurant and leisure space.Ashford Borough Council is holding is first fully virtual planning committee meeting on Wednesday in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic and government guidelines regarding social distancing.It has recommended both applications relating to Newtown Railway Works are approved.Final approval is subject to the Secretary of State allowing Ashford Borough Council to grant consent for a related listed building application, which was referred following objections by the Victorian Society.TCDI Co and Quinn Estate are working with architecture firm Guy Holloway on Newtown Works, with the project scheduled for 2021.