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Public exhibition for a new cinema and hotel in Elwick Road, Ashford, opens in County Square shopping centre

The plans for a new 'boutique' style cinema and family hotel have gone on show for the first time today.

More than 100 people visited the County Square shopping centre in Ashford to view the proposals for the modern-looking multiplex, which have been put forward by developers Stanhope PLC.

It is proposed that the five-screen cinema will have a boutique theme, and therefore would not be in competition with Ashford's existing cinema, Cineworld.

The proposed boutique cinema will have six screens
The proposed boutique cinema will have six screens

Also included in the planned £75 million development, which is earmarked for Elwick Road in the town centre, is a 60-bed hotel, 270-space car park, restaurants and an assortment of flats and residential homes.

Mick Carr, from Kingsnorth, visited the consultation with his wife but deemed the project too 'futuristic'.

He said: "I can't see there is any need for a new cinema.

New artist impressions show what the proposed assisted living homes would look like
New artist impressions show what the proposed assisted living homes would look like

"I think we have enough hotels around Ashford already, and it's just another way to make money.

"The design is far too futuristic for Ashford. This was a market town and they are gradually destroying it. There should be a link to our heritage in it - not just glass panels."

If approved, the project will be constructed in two phases, with the cinema, restaurants, car park and hotel included in phase one.

The hotel will be to the east of the cinema in Elwick Road
The hotel will be to the east of the cinema in Elwick Road

The cinema would have five screens, with five restaurants located below.

Details of the cinema's proposed look were outlined at the exhibition, revealing that images will be projected on the exterior of the building at night.

A display revealed: "The main cinema building is proposed to be clad in gold coloured, anodised aluminium mesh, shaped to wrap up the building from the first floor, and also shaped in sections to curve around the cinema building.

"This is exactly one of the things Ashford needs." - MP Damian Green

"This materiel will appear opaque during the day, and as evening draws in and the light drops, the material will have a translucency that will allow projections to be seen to the back drop of the black composite board cladding the mesh."

Phase two would include 57 assisted living apartments, with associated communal and care facilities, and a retirement living scheme of 36 apartments.

Penny Brient, from Repton Park, viewed the plans this morning.

She said: “I think it’s excellent. I think quite frankly it’s an improvement, the whole area needs cleaning up.

"I think it’s going to be a great benefit and bring jobs into the town.”

It is not yet known which cinema chain will be opening at the development, which will be located opposite Debenhams on the empty wasteland that was once was home to Ashford's market.

Ashford MP Damian Green also visited the exhibition today, and said: "This is exactly one of the things Ashford needs.

Mick Carr, talking to Thomas Derstroff at the exhibition, thinks the plans are too 'futuristic'
Mick Carr, talking to Thomas Derstroff at the exhibition, thinks the plans are too 'futuristic'

"We all know we need more people in the town centre and things like cinemas and restaurants are exactly what will make Ashford town a destination.

"I'm very keen on this project.

"I use the existing Cineworld but I am told there is room for that and for this idea to flourish. It means people will come into the town, do some shopping, eat a meal. The benefits will be spread."

A planning application for the scheme is expected to be submitted to Ashford Borough Council by the end of the year.

The consultation will be open in the County Square shopping centre until 3pm today and between 3pm-8pm tomorrow (Friday).

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