Ashfords new Shopping Centre making a mark

I think that many people thought the 'new' Shopping Centre in Ashford meant a complete re-development of the existing County Square.
It turns out that it is really just an extension, albeit the older parts have been re-floored and most Retail Outlets have made an effort to revitalize their image.

When I first moved to Ashford some 20 years ago, the Square was outdoors and a typical reminder of dull and drabb 1960's Architecture. In other words - it was horrible.
However, slowly but surely,it has been made more customer friendly and attracted some of the bigger Companies who now trade there.

The new part of the Shopping Centre hasn't been just alteration to the Outlets themselves; the road system has been changed to improve access and it is in being with the new Ashford look of being an International Town and a doorway to Europe.

So, we have the Designer Outlet, a few out of town Retail Parks and now this. I just hope there's enough people to spend money in them all, but more produces competition so we look forward to a few price wars ahead!

County Square is situated in the middle of town and on the 'Island' surrounded by the infamous ring road. It's just a few minutes walk from the International Railway Station, has good bus links.
The nice thing about the ring road is that it keeps the Town in one area. There are no 'fading out' parts. Once over the road, you're confronted with solid shopping choice.

Shops in the Square are....

At present, the Shopping Centre may appear a little lost in the Town, but with so many expansion plans to the town itself, it is obvious these major Companies are looking to the future.

Card Factory
Clinton Cards
Waterstone's
 Cafes & restaurants
BHS
Costa Coffee
Massimo's Cafe Italiano
Revive Juice Bar
Charity shops
Oxfam
 Children
Mothercare
 Clothing & fashion
Bon March
Claire's Accessories
Debenhams
Mischief
Peacocks
 Shoe shops & repairs
Clarks
Shoe Express
Timpson
 Sports wear
JJB Sports
 Travel
First Choice
Thomas Cook
Department Stores
BHS
Marks and Spencer
Tchibo

Confectionary
Thorntons
 Supermarkets
Julian Graves
 Hairdressers
Regis
Supercuts
Health & beauty
Superdrug
The Body Shop
The Fragrance Shop
 Home furnishings
Rosebys

 Jewellers
F. Hinds
H. Samuel
Kilburn Jewellers
Simmonds
 Miscellaneous
Jessops
Johnson Cleaners
 Music, phones &
electrical
3 Store
Carphone Warehouse
Game
GZ Computers
HMV
Vodafone
02
 Opticians
I-Zone eyeware
Specsavers

At present, the Shopping Centre may appear a little lost in the Town, but with so many expansion plans to the town itself, it is obvious these major Companies are looking to the future.

The problem with many Shopping Centres is that you could have a blindfold taken off in the middfle of one and have no idea what town you were in.
In many ways, County Square is like that, but at least an effort has been made to improve the town and give residents an even wider choice of shopping.
For more information, go the Ashford Borough Councils Website.
The Civic Centre in on the east side of the Ring Road, down Tannery Lane.
The Shopping Centre has a large underground Car Park, being accessed from the south side of the Ring Road