District Focus | A vision taking shape Ashford is undergoing an exciting transformation that will create a prosperous and exciting place to live, work and do business. The last few years has seen the opening of the multi-million pound remodelled Stour Leisure Centre, improvements to Junction 10 of the M20, completion of the first 50,000 sq ft of 1.25million sq ft of development at Eureka Business Park, the opening of the £65m extension of County Square Shopping Centre and the conversion of the former ring road into a series of attractive pedestrian-friendly streets. Town centre expansion The transformation of a former ring road is part of a multi-million pound scheme to improve the appearance and character of Ashford town centre and support future developments that will benefit the town as it grows. The award-winning scheme is a first for the UK and many local authorities are now looking to emulate Ashford and adopt the shared space concept for their own town centres. The scheme has made the town centre more attractive to residents and visitors and is playing a vital role in unlocking AshfordÕs commercial development potential. Yet more to come AshfordÕs ambitious growth plans remain firmly on track as the town continues to inspire confidence in investors. Over £40m of government money is being spent on the townÕs major redevelopment plans, while private sector investment continues despite the deepening recession. In the next few years Ashford will see improvements to the appearance of the railway station forecourt, a new transport system called SMARTLINK, an arts centre at St MaryÕs Church, the new improved library facility called Gateway Plus and the rolling out of fibre optic broadband. By making further investments in improving transport links and community facilities, Ashford is creating the right type of environment to encourage businesses to expand or move into the area. For business, property and investment opportunities visit the ÔAshford best placedÕwebsite. Tel. 01233 330310 www.ashfordbestplaced.co.uk Ò a multi-million pound scheme to improve the appearance and character of Ashford town centre and support future developments will benefit the town as it grows.