Plans to transform disused industrial buildings into a new leisure complex have been formally submitted.

Ashford Borough Council (ABC) plans to turn the former Ashford Youth Theatre site in Dover Place into a food and drink space, as well as opening a business area in the three-storey former corn store in the building next door.

The scheme - branded The Coachworks - is a development with a five-year lifespan as the land is set to become the second phase of the Commercial Quarter in later years.

The former theatre building will become the centrepiece of the project and will feature an eye-catching mezzanine level, while the three-storey corn store will be converted into a business base for start-up companies.

ABC say the outdoor space will be ideal for events such as theatre performances, cinema and live sports screenings.

The short-term development, which will cost £650,000, could open as early as next summer if the application is approved.

Carl Turner Architects has been commissioned by ABC to draw up the design plan.

Stewart Smith, the authority’s senior development and regeneration manager, previously said: “There is nothing else like this in Ashford and across the region and I’m confident The Coachworks is going to prove hugely popular and draw people in."

The inspiration for The Coachworks name comes from the rich history of the site, as a team of coachbuilders were based there for 30 years from the 1960s.

Crofords Carriages counted the royal household and Harrods among its customers and the company still operates from the town.

To view the planning application, visit and search for the 18/01369/AS scheme.

The deadline for public comments is Saturday, October 13.