We need your support to call on the private landowners to regenerate New Ash Green Shopping Centre and restore it to its former glory as a vibrant community hub.

Petition by Ash and New Ash Green District Councillors.

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We, the undersigned, call on the owners of New Ash Green Shopping Centre, to turn around the cycle of neglect and non-investment that we have experienced for decades.

Our Village Centre needs: 

• Investment and regeneration to create a vibrant and prosperous village centre
• Repairs and ongoing maintenance
• A committment to preserve commercial use that provides a broad range of products and services to cater for all ages
• Employment and volunteering opportunities
• Promotion of a nighttime economy
• Inclusive community building opportunities
• Health and wellbeing opportunities
• Provision for our creative community
• Sustainability credentials that allow it to thrive long into the future
• Limited residential use to make use of empty units, bring life to the centre and keep antisocial behaviour at bay
• Accessibility measures to allow everyone to enjoy it
• A visual appeal, sense of place and identity

We call on KMP Solutions (the management company), to generate the investment our centre needs and to seek funding opportunities to facilitate all of the above.

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HISTORY OF OUR VILLAGE CENTRE

In February 1968, planning permission was given for the first 33 shop units, 12 flats and 6 maisonettes. When complete a total of 48 units would provide floor areas of 4800 square metres for commercial use and 450 square metres for residential use.

As a ‘comprehensive’ development, the Shopping Centre was to be the first of the public amenities designed to cater for the varied needs of the residents of New Ash Green. (Source: http://www.span-kent.co.uk/community.html)

For years, New Ash Green Shopping Centre was a vibrant hub of our village (see photo from c.1972, source: Ribapix.com) attracting local and out-of-town shoppers alike. 

 

 

Later on, lack of investment from absent landlords led to the area becoming deserted and run down.

Residents, businesses and community groups campaigned for decades for regeneration.

When the shopping centre changed hands in 2023, there was a glimmer of hope for change as some minor improvements took place. However, it soon became apparent that no significant improvements were on the horizon. 

The Shopping Centre reflects poorly on Ash and New Ash Green, which harms the economic prospects and community spirit of our village. Only a few damaged signs listing stores of the past mark the life and soul of the former high street.

 

 

THE NATIONAL PICTURE

As retail transitions to online, areas once designated for the traditional shopping model are being transformed into desirable community spaces, hosting a bustling space for hospitality and leisure businesses to thrive. 

A number of government and local authority reports show that investing in community spaces significantly improves residents' well-being and encourages local economy's growth. Revitalised centres can serve as a beacon for tourist attraction and local business. Such investment will not only improve New Ash Green's environment, but restore community pride, and bring valuable financial benefits.

 

 

 

 

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Thank you.