Lights, camera, Ashford Cinema – new home for film fans in Ashford Town Centre

Exciting plans for a new look to Ashford Town Centre’s cinema have been revealed this week, with the former Picturehouse at Elwick Place welcoming residents and cinema fans next week under a new name - The Ashford Cinema. 

The cinema will be opening its doors to visitors on Tuesday 23 April, and over the coming months it will be transformed with plenty of exciting offers and events to appeal to a more family friendly and local community audience.

Earlier this year Ashford Borough Council announced their intention to step in and takeover operating the venue, after Picturehouse announced they would be leaving. This was subject to approval by councillors and following an Extraordinary Council meeting on Thursday 14 March, council members agreed to proceed.

The assignment of the Picturehouse lease to Ashford Cinema Ltd (ACL) as part of a transfer of all cinema assets and staff, is being completed this week. Ashford Cinema Ltd have entered into a service agreement with The Big Picture Limited (Cinema & Leisure Solutions) for them to manage the day-to-day operation of the cinema on their behalf.

Picturehouse Members will be contacted directly about any time remaining on their account and customers with pre-bookings will be able to use their tickets at the venue. Everyone will also be offered the chance to become part of The Ashford Cinema membership scheme.

Cllr Noel Ovenden, Leader of Ashford Borough Council says: “Our expectation is the location will continue to give audiences in Ashford access to a great range of films and events and continue to offer an entertainment hub in the town centre, alongside the popular range of exciting leisure operators at Elwick Place.

“When Picturehouse informed us that they would be walking away from their long-term lease in early 2024 we felt it was important to take action. Rather than stand-by and do nothing, we decided we should step in for the benefit of the local community, and do all we can to keep our town centre cinema and entertainment offer at Elwick Place open for business.

“I’m pleased that the current staff will remain employed at the venue, and provide the level of service users have come to expect, and I look forward to seeing The Ashford Cinema welcoming cinema lovers to the town centre.”

Ben Hammond, General Manager, said: “The Ashford Cinema is your local 6-screen cinema, café, workspace & bar. Located at Elwick Place, in the heart of Ashford, our space is open to everyone to meet, eat, watch, and explore.

“We have an exciting line up of films over the next few months, including The Fall Guy, Kingdom of The Planet of the Apes, Garfield, Bad Boys: Ride or Die, Fusiosa, and Star Wars Phantom Menace - back for one week only.

“Our team of friendly, professional staff remains the same, we have a kitchen serving tasty pizzas, toasties, burgers & hot dogs, and a fully stocked bar. If you are looking for somewhere to watch the latest new film release, to work from, catch up with friends over a coffee, or host an event, The Ashford Cinema is the place for you.”