£250m TV and film studio project unveiled for Ashford

Plans have been unveiled to transform a derelict railway works in Kent into four TV and film studios in a move that could generate 3,000 jobs.Ashford’s Newtown Railway Works has been earmarked for redevelopment by The Creative District Improvement Company (TCDI Co) and property developer Quinn Estates.The project represents a £250m investment and forms part of TCDI’s £500m plans to revolutionise the TV and film industry with a network of studios across the country.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.TCDI Co and Quinn Estate are working with architecture firm Guy Holloway, with the project scheduled for 2021.