Introduction to FONAGVC | About Us | Friends of New Ash Green Village Centre

We are a group of New Ash Green residents who have an interest in the past history of the centre and also its future development.

A master plan for the future of the centre was supposed to have been completed by the owners some eighteen months ago but so far very little has been achieved and in great secrecy. There are currently three owners of the centre, all of who are remote investors whose principal interest is likely to be their profit and not our amenity. We understand that 5 year leases are now on offer to new and existing traders.

New leases have now been let for a number of the ground floor units and there are further enquiries pending. There are further shop unit opportunities in the covered shopping street, Upper Street North, including small office units and a fully fitted restaurant.

We feel that simply waiting for the detail of the owner’s proposals to be published will be too late for the residents and retailers to have any significant influence on how the centre develops.

The expectation of being able to influence decisions at some future “consultation” is unrealistic. Without an alternative there will be nothing available with which to negotiate or to compare with the owner’s proposals.

In our opinion the original design of the centre is unique and readily identifiable with New Ash Green. The load bearing structure of the centre is in good condition. The damage is largely superficial due to lack of maintenance, amateurish repairs and inappropriate alterations.

Professionally restored, locally modernised and energetically promoted to recover from many years of neglect it could once again become a vibrant asset to the residents and retailers. We are working on alternative proposals for renovation and modernisation of the existing buildings and believe this to be both technically and economically feasible.

We urgently need more New Ash Green residents to join our group. If you share our concern about the future of the centre and wish to receive regular updates please send an e-mail to contact@fonagvc.co.uk requesting that we add you to our e-mailing list.

We need help and support from anyone who can spare a little time to become involved, at whatever level and in particular need input from anyone with specialist knowledge such as Architects, Quantity Surveyors.