A new £100 million global headquarters and new factory for Brompton Bicycles located in Kent has moved a step closer after Ashfords councillors approved outline proposals.
Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee voted last night to grant permission for the innovative scheme designed by renowned Kent architect Guy Hollaway with the support of Canterbury-based Quinn Estates. The chosen site is near the McArthurGlen Ashford Designer Outlet and Ashford International rail station.
Built on stilts, the new facility would overlook a new 60-acre rewilded public nature wetland reserve with a community cycle path and a network of trails, delivering a net gain in biodiversity across the site. The proposals would deliver a £100 million investment into the local economy.
Locate in Kent worked with Ashford Borough Council and Brompton on identifying a suitable site in Ashford, strategically located between the leading cycling cities of London and Paris.
It will now be up to Angela Rayner, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government to decide whether to call in the outline application for further consideration.
Nick Fenton, CEO Locate in Kent, said “Last night’s approval by Ashford Borough Council’s planning committee is an important step in bringing one of the world’s best-known brands to Kent with the potential to benefit Ashford and the wider county for generations to come.
‘Brompton is a natural fit for Kent, a forward-thinking business in a place that has a proud tradition for manufacturing and innovation. We’re delighted that this was recognised by the company in choosing Ashford over other parts of the UK. The company has already shown its commitment to the county, including investing in Kent’s skills offer. Projects it has completed with local colleges and universities since first announcing its plans in 2022 are a sign of what is to come.’
‘It is also testament to the strengths of Kent as a business location that Brompton were able to partner with Quinn Estates, the Canterbury based developer behind the film-studio led regeneration of Newtown Works, and Hythe based architect, Guy Hollaway.”
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