The future of a town’s expansion looks rock solid after a concrete and aggregate depot opened on the site of a former cosmetics factory.

Ashford Borough Council leader Gerry Clarkson cut the ribbon for the Gallagher Group site alongside company boss Pat Gallagher.

The £1.5 million project has created the depot which can supply building sites with 100 cubic metres of concrete per hour.

It is built on the ruins of the formerRimmel cosmetics factory in Carlton Road, which was gutted by fire in 2007 and sat derelict until demolition work started last year.

The scheme also includes new warehouses and retail space, creating up to 200 jobs. One of the warehouses has been leased by the council’s in-house grounds maintenance service called Aspire.

Cllr Clarkson said: “We are delighted this site has been brought back into use, not just as the base for our new Aspire service, but for other uses too.

“Their investment in Ashford has transformed a former derelict factory into an important commercial site, which has created new jobs in the borough and is another example of the private sector believing and investing in Ashford...” - Cllr Gerry Clarkson, Ashford Borough Council

“From this site Gallagher will be producing high quality concrete for a range of developments in Ashford and beyond.

“Gallagher come with a proven track record in delivering quality building, civil engineering, quarrying and property projects.

“Their investment in Ashford has transformed a former derelict factory into an important commercial site, which has created new jobs in the borough and is another example of the private sector believing and investing in Ashford.”

Work on 50,000 sq ft of warehouse space is now set to begin at the site, which has been renamed the Carlton Business Park.

Gallagher Group chief executive Nick Yandle: “When it comes to creating the new homes, leisure and retail opportunities and commercial development that Kent needs, Ashford is leading the way.

“This marks an important phase in the evolution of our aggregates business and shows our commitment to serving the house-building and development community of Ashford and the surrounding area.”