Ashford’s £7.5m Theatre Plan Aims to Revitalise Town Centre

Ashford Borough Council has officially submitted plans for a new £7.5 million theatre project set to rejuvenate Ashford town centre. This ambitious plan involves transforming the vacant Mecca Bingo and Odeon cinema into a vibrant cultural hub, featuring a flexible performance space, gallery, cafe, bar, and meeting rooms.

Reviving a Historic Landmark

The initiative sees the site, an unlisted building on Ashford’s Lower High Street, destined for a new lease of life. Despite being empty since 2018, preliminary efforts like strip-out and asbestos removal have been completed. Now, development plans include adding new windows and doors, and refurbishing the building’s exterior.

The theatre will offer a versatile performance environment, with configurations supporting up to 152 seated or 220 standing guests. The project also targets the building’s historic features. Architects aim to restore the original canopy proportions from the site’s 1936 origins, reconnecting the theatre with its celebrated past.

Community and Economic Impact

Ashford Borough Council’s submission highlights the broader goals of this transformation. The proposed theatre aims to bolster Ashford’s cultural scene, drawing footfall and supporting local economic development. Planning documents reveal a vision to plug longstanding gaps in Ashford’s cultural infrastructure, ultimately supporting both emerging and established artists.

However, an operator is still sought to oversee the venue, with the council searching for a partner to nurture Ashford’s cultural landscape. The project is part of a larger town centre revitalisation effort, backed by previous campaigns from the community, with over 2,000 residents advocating for a theatre since 2018.

Looking Ahead

Longtime advocate Peter Kelso, who lead the original petition, expresses optimism about the theatre plans. In light of numerous delays and failed proposals, the current comprehensive approach that includes potential future use of the main auditorium has been met with enthusiasm. The council’s commitment to preserving key architectural elements also resonates strongly with the community.

As planning progresses, further technical designs are slated for completion before construction kicks off, expected to finalise by early 2027. The venture is strategically funded, partly through the business rates pool intended for economic regeneration, offering a solid financial underpinning.

The Ashford theatre project represents a significant investment in the town’s arts and culture sector, aspiring to establish a dynamic cultural identity that could potentially attract regional and national talent.

Photo (C) Ashford Borough Council