Connect38 on the Ashford Commercial Quarter site has been officially opened by Quinn Estate, marking the beginning of an exciting new chapter in the town’s story as the economic powerhouse of Kent. Connect38, designed by Canterbury based Clague Architects, is the largest office block to be built in Kent for 20 years with 75% of the building let.
The new building delivers 80,500 sq ft of office, restaurant and retail space with the creation of around 481 full-time jobs. Its first tenants have already arrived, with infrastructure consultants, Peter Brett, accountancy firm Wilkins Kennedy, and dental practice Pennypot Dental welcoming their new homes.
“This project is one of my proudest achievements to date. Connect38 and Ashford Commercial Quarter is going to mark a new chapter for Ashford and sets the standard for office space in the South East,” said Mark Quinn, CEO at Quinn Estates. “Connect38 represents an extraordinary opportunity for businesses looking to relocate locally, or from London and further afield. The international train station is almost adjacent to the development site, making this an ideal commuting location.”
Delivered by Quinn Estates in partnership with George Wilson Developments, the scheme was also backed by Ashford Borough Council, which sees it as pivotal to the town’s future economic success. To support the development, the council has underwritten the cost of two floors of the office block.
“This building, and Ashford Commercial Quarter as a larger site, makes an important statement about the borough’s economic position, our can-do attitude as an authority, our sharp commercial focus and the confidence that key businesses and developers have in the town,” said Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Leader of Ashford Borough Council.
“This borough has a rich heritage, but we are also embracing growth with ambitious plans for the future. Ashford Commercial Quarter marks a significant project within our ‘Big 8′ developments -major projects emphasising this ambition. These developments illustrate our intention to unlock major opportunities, while delivering new jobs, housing, retail and cultural facilities,” he concluded.
