A multi-million pound bike factory in Ashford is not expected to open for another five years, it has emerged.

Bike manufacturer Brompton plans to move to the town and build its global headquarters on wetlands near the Designer Outlet, creating thousands of jobs.

Land opposite Avenue Jacques Faucheux dual carriageway, close to Asda, has been earmarked for the new scheme which developers say will stretch beyond 2027.

Alex Kalorkoti, development manager at Quinn Estates, which is also the landowner, says the building work will happen in stages.

“Phase one is an e-bike factory which is a new venture for Brompton, then phase two is the relocation of the traditional bike manufacturing and their operations in London,” he said.

“Phase three is an education and research development hub.

“We’re working to get an application in towards the end of April, once we’ve had the chance to respond to feedback, then we will be looking to get a planning decision later this year.

“That will be the outline application that will cover all three phases.

“We would like to look to build phase one to hand over to Brompton in 2026, they would then fit out the spaces and look to open the following year.

“Phase two should follow shortly after, then phase three is a little bit further beyond 2027.”

Ashford fought off stiff competition from the likes of Birmingham, Manchester and Nottingham when it came to narrowing down locations for the factory.

Artist’s impressions show there will be 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 a 100-acre floodplain but architect Guy Hollaway says this is not an issue as the factory will be built on stilts and has been designed to work in harmony with the landscape and support biodiversity.

To gain an idea on how people feel about the proposals locally, Quinn Estates held a public consultation at the United Church on Cade Road where residents could ask questions directly.

Co-leader of the Ashford Green Party and Willesborough ward representative Cllr Steve Campkin was there and said he is “cautiously excited about it”.

He said: “This is the bells and whistles proposal so we need to keep an eye on it to make sure that what is proposed is actually delivered.

"Having spoken to Will [Butler-Adams], the CEO at Brompton, he wants to see his vision through and I think he is committed to that.

“As a member of the Green Party, I find it very difficult to look at a development that I can’t immediately object to but when I saw this, I can’t find anything to object to yet.

“It’s really good to see bicycles coming back to the Norman ward.”

Resident Luke Gilbert, co-founder of Bloss Coffee in Kingsnorth, was at the event to find out more.

He said: “It is going to get people connected to cycling and healthy living.

“It’s good to hear it’s not just a business wanting to expand, but that they’re also interested in connecting with the locals.

“I think that area has needed some development for a long time so it’s great to see more than just the outlet.”

Jim Davies, a trustee at the Central Ashford Community Forum attended to ask Quinn Estates more about the environmental impacts.

He said: "The building looks nice and it's good to see there will be a rising level of jobs available in Ashford, but from an ecological point of view, I'm very concerned about where it is.

"In spite of what they say, I think the best place for it will be on an arable field somewhere.

"I'm also concerned that they haven't talked about rail freight.

"They’re just by the railway, they can bring in raw materials and send out finished goods without sending HGVs along Avenue Jacques Faucheux.

"I like what they have been saying about recruitment and training, but I'm always concerned that the more mature people looking for work might be excluded.

"They have said some nice words to me about that but the proof of the pudding is in the eating."

A Newtown resident was also concerned about the impact on wildlife.

She said: "It’s a beautiful project, it’s a good thing for jobs, but why here?

"The countryside is calm, quiet and good for the birds. For me it's more important to revive the centre of town."

Singleton residents Isobel Curwen, 29, and George Phillips, 30, had their concerns addressed about ecology.

Ms Curwen said: “It will create lots of jobs and I think it will be really good for Ashford to have something like this, especially with all the connections in London.

“I work in heritage and archaeology so I was wondering about the ecology and wetland habitat, but I’ve spoken to the people here about it and it sounds like they have got plans to mitigate it.”

Mr Phillips added: “If it can regenerate an area which is not really used and bring a big name to Ashford, it will be really positive.”