Bike manufacturer Brompton has announced plans to move its global headquarters to Ashford and build a multi-million pound factory on wetlands near the Designer Outlet, creating thousands of jobs.
One of the UK’s largest cycle companies, Brompton has earmarked land along the Avenue Jacques Faucheux dual carriageway, close to Asda, for the new scheme.
Artist’s impressions show there will be wide paths for cyclists and pedestrians to go straight into the facility, which will also have a visitor centre, museum and cafe.
The land is currently unused and is part of a 100-acre floodplain but Brompton says this is not an issue as the factory will provide an opportunity to restore the wetland and has been designed to work in harmony with the landscape and support biodiversity.
Ashford Borough Council has long held plans to transform 60 acres of the field into a rewilded public nature reserve with a community cycle path and a network of trails.
It hopes these plans – in partnership with developers Quinn Estates and architects Hollaway – will coincide with this.
Despite the vast…
