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Latest phase of Victorian Newtown railway works project sees engine sheds repainted following huge transformation

New images reveal the progress being made at a long-abandoned railway works ahead of its multimillion-pound restoration.

Contractors are turning Grade II-listed engine sheds in Newtown, Ashford, into a residential scheme as part of a £250 million redevelopment.

The entrance to the Newtown engine sheds looks significantly cleaner and updated. Picture: KMG
The entrance to the Newtown engine sheds looks significantly cleaner and updated. Picture: KMG

Part of the area’s historic Victorian railway works, construction has been underway for several years to turn the site into 303 flats.

It means contractors are currently focusing on the 1912-built Edwardian engine sheds, which are one of the UK's longest listed buildings, stretching across 350 metres.

Ashford International Development Company (AIDC) - 65% owned by Ashford Borough Council (ABC) and 35% by developers Quinn Estates - is behind the project, which was approved in 2020.

Fears were raised in the autumn though by residents who claimed “history is being demolished” after 50,000 bricks were removed on the side of the sheds.

However, two months on and significant progress can be seen at the site off Newtown Road.

The bricks at the sheds’ entrance now appear a golden colour compared to their previous rusty appearance.

The sheds prior to repainting in Newtown
The sheds prior to repainting in Newtown

Contractors can now also be seen working their way along the railway works from its original entrance as restoration edges closer to getting underway.

A spokesman for ABC explained: “Work to restore the listed buildings in Newtown is progressing well and remains on course for completion by the spring.

“This includes brickwork cleaning for the locomotive shed and engine shed and works to restore the clocktower, paint store and acetylene store, which is set to get underway soon.

“The work is on schedule for completion in April and these works are essential in ensuring the significant heritage assets on the site are restored and brought back into active use.”

Bridge-based Quinn Estates previously told KentOnline how the “utmost care is being taken” during the works - which is being financed via £14.7 million of Levelling Up funding from the government.

It says the bricks it has removed will be used in the “repair and stabilisation of the facade of these historic engine sheds”.

The Newtown railworks site as seen in November
The Newtown railworks site as seen in November
Work is progressing on the engine sheds at Newtown railway works
Work is progressing on the engine sheds at Newtown railway works

“While carrying out the work, we have discovered areas that have required more repair work than expected,” the spokesperson added.

“This has been discussed with the planning department at ABC and a way forward agreed on the preservation works required.

“It is important to get this done right, not only in terms of appearance, but in strengthening and repairing these historic listed structures.”

Quinn Estates says some of the rail and crane tracks in the sheds “have been lifted up temporarily in order to carry out works, including the removal of old concrete, but will be reinstated”.

“Some decorative arches have also been removed in line with the listed building consent,” the spokesperson added.

“This was necessary to carry out work to the inner brickwork and will help in preserving these much-loved buildings for generations to come.

Significant progress can be seen at the site off Newtown Road. Picture: Ashford Borough Council/Quinn Estates
Significant progress can be seen at the site off Newtown Road. Picture: Ashford Borough Council/Quinn Estates
Construction has been underway for several years to turn Newtown railway works into 303 flats. Picture: Ashford Borough Council/Quinn Estates
Construction has been underway for several years to turn Newtown railway works into 303 flats. Picture: Ashford Borough Council/Quinn Estates

“These arches will be rebuilt, as originally intended, using some of the 50,000 preserved bricks that have been retained.”

The overall scheme at the site was expected to include four film studios linked to Netflix, but a question mark now hangs over that part of the plan as bosses have been unable to secure an operator.

The studios were set to be built opposite the former engine sheds, but developers said in September how four potential operators interested in the project - called Ashford International Studios - had failed to provide a "viable business proposition".

KentOnline also revealed last month how the site’s landmark clock tower - currently covered in bird poo - is to chime for the first time since the 1980s as part of the project.

The 1907-built structure has been abandoned for years and has its four-dial time currently fixed at 2.26.

But new plans have revealed how the tower is set to be overhauled and brought back to life should they be given the green light.

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