All aboard, The Supersonic Ashford Express has arrived!

Younger visitors to Ashford Town Centre are now able to get on board a new dedicated play space, as The Supersonic Ashford Express has arrived in Ashford Town Centre.

The plans for a new train themed play area were unveiled by Ashford Borough Council late last year, but its arrival was delayed slightly. The good news is, has now arrived, just in time for Spring and the Easter half term and it has a fabulous name - The Supersonic Ashford Express, courtesy of Quinn aged 6 from Wittersham.

The installation of play equipment in the raised area in front of the bandstand creates a fun, attractive space for young children and families to enjoy in town. It is specifically designed to reflect Ashford's unique heritage, incorporating elements related to the town's railway history, like locomotives, carriages, and platforms. 

The type and style of the play equipment has been chosen with sustainability in mind as well as considering things like maintenance, damage and anti-social behaviour in the design process. It has also been designed with accessibility and access for children of all abilities. 

It will cost around £150,000, which covers manufacturing, installation, and ongoing maintenance over a long period. It is funded by the national UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and developer contributions (Section106) from the Designer Outlet and The Range developments (so this is not funded by local taxpayer money, it is funding allocated for spending on town centre improvements).

Choo-choo-sing a name

We launched a naming competition with primary schools in January asking pupils to come up with a name for our new play area. The criteria included, it needed to be something which is fun, train themed or Ashford-related!

We had around 30 entries and choo-chose the winner this week. A delighted Quinn said: “I was so happy they chose my name! I think the children will feel really good playing on the SuperSonic Ashford Express”.

The works are being undertaken by KOMPAN, who installed the large bespoke playground at the Ashford Designer Outlet and many more around the borough. They were also behind the temporary gym equipment which they supplied in the town centre free of charge.

Rob McDonald. KOMPAN Area Sales Manager 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."