Drivers Jonas - Industrial Sale - Kent, Ashford, Rowcroft and Templer Barracks

Date: 03 Sep 2002

Acting on behalf of MoD Defence Estates, Drivers Jonas has sold the former Rowcroft and Templer Barracks in Ashford, Kent, unconditionally for £18 million to Westbury and Wimpey Homes.

The site, which extends to 51 hectares (126 acres), includes over 56,000 sqm (600,000 sqft) of existing buildings comprising married quarters, workshops and a listed manor. The site was the former intelligence base for Sir Winston Churchill during the Second World War. The site will be bisected by the new Channel Tunnel Rail Link, which is currently being built through the middle of the site.

The site was sold without any planning permission, although it has been identified in the Ashford Borough Local Plan for mixed-use development, with the majority being identified for residential use. The MoD and its consultants participated in an Enquiry by Design prior to the disposal of the site in order to ensure the future uses were in accordance with the aspirations of Ashford Borough Council and the local community. Development on the site is likely to start in 2003.

Anthony Best, from the development team at Drivers Jonas, said 'We were delighted to achieve this unconditional sale, particularly as the planning position was so uncertain and there were numerous complexities surrounding and the Channel Tunnel Rail Link.'

Where do I go now?: » View the latest news items » View the news archive » Subscribe to Weekly Property Newsletter » Submit news