The site offers the potential for up to 500,000 sq ft of new floorspace for a substantial mixed-use development comprising retail, leisure facilities, offices and residential accommodation.

Located directly opposite ING’s County Square Shopping Centre extension, Elwick Place runs along the majority of Elwick Road and comprises the former Channel Tunnel Rail Link (CTRL) depot and the old Cattle Market, which SEEDA acquired in May this year.

Martin Barrow, SEEDA senior development executive, said:“The delivery of Elwick Place to the market for private sector investment is the culmination of significant activity via the Ashford’s Future Partnership since the launch of the Government’s Sustainable Communities Plan in 2003.

Over the next few months SEEDA will be seeking initial expressions of interest from developers wishing to get involved with the site. Following this a short list will be drawn up by a panel of partners including Ashford Borough Council, Kent County Council, English Partnerships and SEEDA inviting selected developers to submit more detailed proposals for the scheme.

It is anticipated that a final decision on the selected private sector partner will be made next April.