Planning secured for East Kent College, Ashford
Planning permission has been secured for Phase 3 of EKC Group’s Ashford campus, a significant step in the ongoing development of the Elwick Road site and masterplan.
This latest phase builds on a long-standing relationship between HNW Architects and EKC Group, realising the ambition to transform the campus and provide modern facilities to support education and skills throughout Kent.
The design expands the college next to the Memorial Gardens and deliver’s approximately 1,700 sqm of new accommodation across three floors. The scheme includes a mix of teaching spaces, ICT suites, vocational plumbing and electrical workshops, and informal student breakout areas, creating a flexible and focused learning environment
Phase 3 builds on the wider masterplan vision for the site, with earlier phases completed in 2017 and 2023. Together, these projects demonstrate a sustained investment in Ashford’s youth and adult education needs and supporting opportunities for the local community.
We look forward to continuing our work with EKC Group and the wider team as the project moves towards delivery.
"We were delighted to be working with HNW again on our Ashford Phase 3 proposal. As one of the fastest growing areas in the south east we are keen to ensure that our college meets this increased demand for young people, adults and apprentices looking to gain skills or upskill.
Despite only being three years old our Phase 2 extension is already full, training the future workforce in construction, IT and digital, business and the creative industries."
Despite only being three years old our Phase 2 extension is already full, training the future workforce in construction, IT and digital, business and the creative industries."
Dan Shelley, Assistant CEO, EKC Group
"Phase 3 would enable us to increase spaces for these in-demand sectors and add an innovative AI Hub to provide skills provision in both specialist AI skills and embedding these across each curriculum area to ensure all students are equipped with the futureproof skills needed to thrive in a world shaped by artificial intelligence, digital communication, and dynamic business innovation."
Dan Shelley, Assistant CEO, EKC Group
"We have applied for capital funding to make this vision a reality and I wanted to thank HNW for leading the design work as well as Quinn Ross, Reith Campbell, B&M, Harwood Savin and Woodley Coles for their support in developing this bid and getting planning consent - a great team effort!!
Dan Shelley, Assisrant CEO, EKC Group
April 2026