Artist impressions of what Ashford's Commercial Quarter will look like have been released for the first time.

Plans for the new public realm around International House and Dover Place include adding trees, new paving stones and street lighting.

Ashford Borough Council, working in partnership with the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) and design practice, BDP, hope that the enhanced physical appearance around the office block will encourage developers and businesses to invest in the town.

The say the works, funded by £1.3m from the HCA, will create “an attractive first impression of the town for visitors arriving at the international station”.

ABC’s portfolio holder for the town, Cllr Neil Shorter said: “The new public realm will be a visually impressive space for residents, visitors and businesses to enjoy.

“It will include granite paving, benches, street lighting columns and greenery which will improve the look and feel of the area.

“Thanks to its excellent transport links and competitive property rents, the public realm will create a dynamic new business hub in the town centre.”

For the duration of the works, due to start next month, vehicles will be prevented from accessing International House via Station Approach.

Instead, access to Dover Place car park and International House will be via Dover Place.

Approximately 60 parking bays in the car park will be temporarily removed to accommodate the construction works.

Naisha Polaine, from the HCA, said: “We now look forward to bringing the exciting proposals to life.

“They will assist in the transformation of the area and create an attractive environment for businesses to invest in Ashford’s Commercial Quarter stimulating further economic growth and employment opportunities.”

The council purchased the area surrounding International House last year for the business development called the Commercial Quarter.

It is hoped that by improving the landscape, developers and businesses will be encouraged to invest in the area.

The site will include new hard and soft landscaping and an improved pedestrian route from the railway station and International House to the town centre.

Work is anticipated to commence in the first week of March and continue until August 2015.