A huge multi-storey car park that has sat largely empty for years could be used by staff working at a new bike factory.

Bosses at Brompton Bicycle, the folding bike-maker, want to build a multimillion-pound HQ on land opposite Asda and the Designer Outlet in Ashford.

The proposed factory along Avenue Jacques Faucheux could create up to 4,000 jobs but is due to be a car-free scheme – meaning it will not feature any parking spaces.

The idea is that staff and visitors will be encouraged to walk or cycle, but transport assessments carried out by Kent Highways say options for those with no choice but to drive should be considered.

As a result, Brompton is in discussions with HS1 Ltd – the owner of the multi-storey facility previously used by Eurostar passengers – and Ashford Designer Outlet to see if the company can share their car parks.

According to planning documents submitted to Ashford Borough Council, staff would be allowed to park in the Outlet’s south car park directly next door.

But on busy shopping days, they could instead be encouraged to park a mile away at the large NCP-run multi-storey at Ashford International station, and walk or cycle the rest of the way.

The journey takes 19 minutes on foot and about five minutes by bike, according to Google Maps.

The Kent Highways transport assessment says: “Brompton has entered into discussions with the operator of the HS1 (high-speed one) car parks, including the large 1,200-space multi-storey Eurostar car park and the surface car parks within the same area, and there is an agreement in principle between the parties for use of this car park on a paid-for arrangement.

“Employees of Brompton could potentially park at the McArthurGlen southern car park due to its locality to the site.

“While no on-site parking will be provided for employees as the ethos of Brompton is sustainable travel, it is recognised that there may be staff that are unable to use sustainable travel to get to and from work.”

Despite the car-free element, National Highways has also commented on the plans, saying it feels more information is needed on how the factory will impact the road network before it can be approved.

The authority has recommended the scheme is not approved until at least October 11, or when more information can be supplied.

In a statement, Christine Allen from National Highways said: “It is currently not possible to determine whether the application would have an unacceptable impact on the safety, reliability and/or operational efficiency of the strategic road network.

“This response details the steps that need to be taken in order to resolve this issue.

“In light of the above, National Highways currently recommends that planning permission not be granted (other than a refusal if the council so wishes) for a period of three months from the date of this response to allow the applicant to resolve the outstanding matters.”

National Highways also wants further data to be recorded on traffic flow, as well as assessments on how it could impact the A2070 and the M20 to be carried out.

Brompton and Eurostar were unable to comment further when approached.

Artist's impressions show the HQ could have wide paths for cyclists and pedestrians to go straight into the facility, which will also have a visitor centre, museum and cafe.

The land is currently unused and is part of a 100-acre floodplain but Brompton says this is not an issue as the factory will be built on stilts.

It hopes to open the factory by 2027 with the aim of producing more than 200,000 bikes per year, doubling its current rate.

At first, the company expects to employ more than 1,500 staff but once fully operational, this is expected to rise to 4,000.

Since 2020, Eurostar trains have not stopped in Ashford, meaning large swathes of the international station now sit empty.

Thousands of people have signed a petition calling for international services to be reinstated in Kent, but the company says it will not resume services that stopped at the town until 2025 at the earliest.