More than 600 potential buyers visited the The Panorama in Ashford over the weekend to get a first glimpse at the new show apartment.

A “lunch extravaganza” was held over the weekend by developers Dukelease, which is turning the former Charter House office block into a nine-storey luxury apartment block.
Visitors were able to view the open-plan flat, which includes a double bedroom, kitchen and lounge, a bathroom and an office.

After viewing the show apartment, Ashford Borough Council leader Cllr Gerry Clarkson said: “I am very impressed with how this regeneration project is taking shape. This is a unique example of utilising a solid quality building that has laid empty for some time.
“This building is going to be the heartbeat of the town centre. There will be over 500 people living in The Panorama when it is completed and they will have an ideal place in which to live, making use of the great range of shops and cafes in the town.
“What impressed me about the apartment was not only the quality of the workmanship but that these homes are being built to Ashford’s new space standards."

The refurbishment of the Park Street building will create a mix of 234 one and two-bedroom apartments, including 24 penthouses, and three rooftop gardens that all residents will have access to and a free car park.

The developers are hoping to include retail units on the ground floor, filled with shops, restaurants and a convenience store. As well as the apartments, the exterior of the grey building will also be revamped.

Charter House was brought by Dukelease in 2008. They were given permission by Ashford Borough Council to convert the 1970s building into flats in August 2012.
Earlier this year, they announced their decision to change the title of the former office block to The Panorama.

Dukelease director of development David O’Neil, explained why they chosen to refurbish the building in Ashford.

He said: “The connectivity of Ashford, particularly with the train services to central London, made Charter House an attractive proposition, and the level of investment in Ashford was a factor in us choosing to come here, as was our belief that we could work well with Ashford council.

“Being in the town centre, the building is ideally placed and The Panorama will have unparalleled views in Kent.

“We have worked hard to get this project started and we are pleased with the result. The launch weekend was all about displaying the quality of the finish and we are hoping to get a lot more of the flats occupied.”

Dukelease have already sold 50% of the apartments in a pre-sale to a mix of buy-to-let investors and housing providers. The first units will be ready in July 2014.