A new train-themed play park costing £150,000 is set to be built in a town centre.
The site is earmarked to go near the bandstand in Ashford, in the raised planter area outside B&M and CEX.
It is part of Ashford Borough Council’s ‘town centre reset’ plan which looks at ways to increase the amount of time visitors spend in the area.
The equipment will be specifically designed to reflect Ashford’s heritage, incorporating elements related to its railway history, such as locomotives, carriages, and station platforms.
The project will cost about £150,000, which covers manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance and will be funded by the national UK Shared Prosperity Fund and developer contributions from the Designer Outlet and The Range developments.
Cllr Heather Hayward (Ashford Independents), portfolio holder for tourism and culture, said: “I’m chuffed to see this project come to fruition.
“We want to create a play space for young families and children to have fun and enjoy, bringing life to this area.
“This will enhance the look of the town centre, creating a more vibrant and attractive space which will hopefully increase visitor numbers, encourage young families to stay longer and spend more money with our local businesses.
“The type and style of the play equipment has been chosen with sustainability in mind as well as considering things like maintenance, damage, anti-social behaviour in the design process.
“It has also been designed with accessibility and access for children of all abilities, so we hope all of our youngest residents will enjoy its arrival.”
This follows on from initiatives such as the temporary seating, furnishings and bunting that decorated upper Bank Street and Middle Row over the past few summers.
It also comes after events like the Unframed Mural Festival last spring, the Food & Drink Festival throughout July, Create Music Village in the autumn and the Carnival of the Baubles trail in November.
Last month plans for the expansion of the monthly Makers Market and the creation of new permanent street trading pitches within the town were also put forward.
Cllr Hayward added: “At the moment the new play train engine is without a name, so we will be reaching out to local schools in the new term to seek children’s suggestions for a suitable one.
“Further town centre improvement projects are on track in the background, and we look forward to updating residents on these in due course.”
The works are being undertaken by Kompan, the company which installed the large bespoke playground at the Ashford Designer Outlet, as well as others around the borough.
Kompan area sales manager Rob McDonald said: “We were absolutely delighted to be awarded the contract to install the new train-themed play area in Ashford town centre.
“We worked diligently with the Kompan design studio to create this unique train-themed play structure around the existing planter area and look forward to welcoming visitors into Ashford town centre to play.”
