Coachworks opens with a festive swing

Coachworks, an exciting urban design scheme in the heart of Ashford town centre, welcomed an estimated 1,000 visitors during its opening weekend, with a Christmas market helping to draw in the crowds.

The cluster of former industrial buildings owned by Ashford Borough Council have been transformed by architect Carl Turner. The project breathes new life into disused buildings in Dover Place, close to the Kent town’s international railway station. Three distinct spaces have now opened:

The Hot House – the former Ashford Youth Theatre building, empty since 2016 and known to Ashfordians for its distinctive external artworks – has been transformed into a home for food and drinks outlets, with event space added. An eye-catching mezzanine level bar provides seating overlooking the indoor events area;
The Platform – the three-storey Corn Store is now a ‘business incubator’ with start-up work spaces and shared facilities to host up to 200 people;
The Event Yard and Yard Bar – an open-air space which is ideal for events such as theatre, cinema and live sports screenings.

Carl Turner said: “We were delighted to finally open our doors to coincide with Illuminites Ashford and to host Kent Food Hubs’ Christmas market. We have had fantastic feedback, so it was great to be able to give these buildings a new lease of life. Watch this space for a regular line up of exciting events in the New Year.”

Opening hours for the Hot House up until Christmas are:

Weds, Thurs and Fridays 5pm-10pm; Saturday 12 noon-10pm; Sunday 5pm -10pm.

Last day of trading is Sunday 22 December and tickets are available for a New Year’s Eve party – visit Coachworks.

Photos provided courtesy of GG Archard.

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