Ashford’s Elwick Place Recognised By Leading Architectural Awards

Ashford Borough Council was thrilled to learn that one of its key developments, Elwick Place, the new 850 seat cinema complex adjoining the new Travelodge hotel, has been nominated for a leading architectural prize.

Guy Hollaway Architects design for Elwick Place was selected as a finalist in the ‘Retail and Leisure Architect of the Year’ category at the Building Design Architect of the Year Awards 2019.

The Building Design Architect of the Year awards recognise the most creative, innovative and dynamic talent in the industry and is distinguished from other architectural awards by virtue of honouring overall achievement within a particular sector.

The cinema complex is clad in a gold coloured, anodised aluminium mesh, shaped to wrap up the building from the first floor, and in sections to curve around the building’s facade. Set around a new landscaped public square, Elwick Place aims to cultivate a sense of community and creates a clear landmark destination for Ashford Town Centre.

Ashford Borough Council Chief Executive Tracey Kerly said: “We are proud of the landmark developments that are being recognised as positively changing Ashford’s image and landscape. Change can be challenging but when it is done in a sympathetic way that also takes time to recognise our heritage, it can be truly uplifting. Elwick Place will become a symbol of the regeneration of Ashford.”

The opening of the Picturehouse at Elwick Place is part of a phased opening which will also include new food and beverage offerings, a new meeting and events space at Elwick Square, a 58-room hotel and a surface car park of 282 spaces. The first phase opened in December 2018 on time and on budget.

The former brownfield site has been transformed into a go-to destination for people in Ashford and surrounding areas of Kent. Elwick Place is one of the lead projects of eight regeneration developments in Ashford that the council is investing in to revitalise the town and bring employment, tourism and leisure facilities to a premium standard for residents and visitors to the town, which is one of the fastest growing in the South East.

For more information see: https://www.guyhollaway.co.uk/news/guy-hollaway-architects-shortlisted-for-retail-leisure-architect-of-the-year/