Ashford Borough Council has given the green light to plans from The Creative District Improvement Company (TCDI) and Quinn Estates to transform Kent’s derelict Newtown Railway Works.

Ashford International Studios which will be combined with the UK’s largest new creative industries cluster including leading education institutions.

Global streaming giants such as Amazon and Netflix have shown an active interest in the scheme as they seek to meet booming demand for content with the film studios opening in early 2022.

Piers Read and Jeremy Rainbird, Founders of The Creative District Improvement Co. said: “Amidst this current global pandemic, it is extremely exciting to be given the go-ahead by the council to start work on what will become one of the UK’s biggest creative hubs.

“We have the ability to create thousands of jobs for people which is crucial at this time and we will also be able to ensure creative talent and skills are harnessed and nurtured through our planned education centre.

“We are thrilled that the council recognise the importance of Ashford International Studios and have given consent to this development which will deliver huge opportunities through its massive expansion of the industry in the UK.”

Work to transform the 15-acre site at Newtown Works is set to start straight away.

Abandoned in the 1980s, the Grade II listed building, will be converted into 240,000 square feet of dedicated TV & film production space to include a media village, educational centre and hotel.