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5 things that opened in Kent in 2018

As we edge closer and closer to 2019, it's nice to take a look back at the last 12 months.

New supermarkets, pubs and bars have opened as well as some big and exciting projects.

Here are just 5 of the biggest new things which opened in Kent this year.

Elwick Place

Ashford Elwick Place Opens..Picture: Paul Amos. (6256617)
Ashford Elwick Place Opens..Picture: Paul Amos. (6256617)

After 18 months of hard work and £75 million, Ashford finally had it's new cinema, hotel and shopping area.

Elwick Place is just one of Ashford Borough Council's Big 8 projects planned to improve the town and opened earlier this month.

Accident and emergency department in Medway

Simulation day at Medway Maritime Hospital. Expect doctors carrying out surgery on dummies.Picture: Simon Hildrew
Simulation day at Medway Maritime Hospital. Expect doctors carrying out surgery on dummies.Picture: Simon Hildrew

2018 has been another year of high pressure on the NHS.

In November, the long awaited opening of the new £11 million A&E at Medway opened to start treating patients in a brand new facility with large purpose-built bays, a new assessmentunit and an extra major care pod.

Wall of Reflection

The Wall of Reflection at the Forum shopping centre. Picture: Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne (5211936)
The Wall of Reflection at the Forum shopping centre. Picture: Historical Research Group of Sittingbourne (5211936)

As the country marked 100 years since the end of the first world war, memorials were held to remember those who fought for our country.

In Sittingbourne, a research project resulted in an installation with more than 1,100 people from the area who died in conflict.

It may not be the biggest new addition to Kent's landscape but it's certainly one of the most poignant.

Marco Pierre White

Marco Pierre White (5424664)
Marco Pierre White (5424664)

The celebrity chef has clearly taken a liking to the Kent coast, having opened two restaurants this year.

In November, the English Chophouse opened in Dover - only the third of the chain to open in the country.

Further along the coast, Mr White opened the Steakhouse Bar and Grill opened at the Clifton Hotel in Folkestone.

St James' Shopping Centre

Dover's St James' complex (2393028)
Dover's St James' complex (2393028)

Ashford isn't the only town with a new retail complex, the long awaited St James Shopping Centre finally opened it's doors this year too.

The centre has gradually opened throughout the year, with Cineworld opening in March, followed by a Travelodge, M&s Foodstore, Nandos, Superdrug and Next.

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