Aldi IS coming to Ashford.

Developers U+I, who are planning a £180 million rejuvenation project along Victoria Way, unveiled the news today.

As well as the discounted supermarket, the huge scheme will include more than 800 new homes and a hotel to be built on two empty sites covering 14 acres, both of which are in close proximity to the Ashford International Station.

The proposed schemes for both sites, designed by local architect Guy Holloway, are expected to create over 200 jobs in the area and “build a new community on Victoria Way”.

Artist impressions of the schemes were also released today, and a planning application is expected to be submitted to the council in the next few months.

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council, said of the plans: “We welcome more proposals coming forward from the private sector, who clearly see the attractiveness of investing in Ashford.

“Of course, the council will need to carefully examine any application when it comes forward and ensure the appropriate planning process is followed as these two important sites must play a huge part in bringing in added vitality and life into the heart of the town centre and must deliver attractive, high quality investment."

The first development, located on the former Powergen site, will include 660 homes across nine acres.

U+I are working on plans for this site in partnership with developer Quinn Estates, based in Canterbury.

Together they have exchanged contracts with Neighbour, a specialist residential partner, to deliver 400 of these as "modern stylish homes" for the private rented sector.

A spokesman from U+I said: “These homes will be of high-quality Scandinavian design and will offer affordable long-term rents.”

U+I has also exchanged contracts subject to planning to acquire a second site, opposite Homeplus furniture shop, in Beaver Road, from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Almost six acres in size, it is proposed that it will house around 200 residential units, a 120-bed hotel and the Aldi food store, and will face the planned new brewery.

Kent Online's sister paper the Kentish Express revealed news of the supermarket's plans to move to Ashford last month.

Speaking this week about the plans, Richard Upton, deputy CEO of U+I said: “Community creation is at the heart of what we do at U+I.

“We believe we have the opportunity to create two fantastic mixed-used developments that will bring both job opportunities and high quality housing to the local area, allowing us to add to the community in Ashford.

“This is an exciting town in the London City Region, an area in which we are focussed as a business and we look forward to creating a brand new destination for Ashford.”