Park Mall shopping centre in Ashford, Kent, has been almost completely demolished just six months after its closure was announced. The site, which opened in 1987, is set to be replaced by a £144 million residential development.
Demolition Underway
New pictures show that most of the shopping centre has been bulldozed. It previously housed major high street names, including Next, Topshop, Boots, Dorothy Perkins, Millets, and Clinton Cards. The decision to close the centre was made after years of financial losses, increasing shop vacancy rates, and the closure of Wilko, its anchor tenant, in September 2023.
The centre shut for good on January 9, 2026, ahead of its planned demolition by Ashford Borough Council. The wider Ashford town centre has suffered from shop closures, with 55 units standing empty at the start of 2026, around 18% of sites in the town.
Future Plans
Ashford Borough Council now plans to construct a residential mixed-use development at the site. The plans are set to be confirmed early next year and are expected to take around three years to complete.
The council said: "The proposed residential-led, mixed-use development at Park Mall will serve as a catalyst for the regeneration of the town centre, bringing new energy and investment to the area. This project is expected to transform the area into a desirable, vibrant destination."
"It will foster a sense of pride among residents, offering high-quality housing and public spaces, while also attracting visitors and businesses. The development aims to strengthen the town’s economic resilience, improve quality of life, and contribute to the council’s broader objectives for sustainable urban regeneration."
Other Demolitions
As well as the shopping centre, the neighbouring Edinburgh Road multi-storey car park is also being demolished. However, the council recently confirmed that a new 200-space car park will be built in the town centre before Christmas.
The council previously said: "If Park Mall and Edinburgh Road Car Park were to remain and continue operating in their current format, the council would need to allocate a significant budget to maintenance and upgrade works over the next one-two years to ensure the buildings meet all the necessary compliance standards."
"Edinburgh Road car park (ERCP) provides low-cost parking in the town centre but is a low-quality parking amenity with an uninviting and hostile environment for customers and many bays are restricted due to structural columns impeding accessibility. The car park continues to experience a range of costly maintenance issues, including the lifts, which are close to their end of life."
