Deadline for shops to move out of mall extended

The deadline for shops to move out of a mall in Kent which the local council says has been running at a "significant loss" has been extended.

Tenants in the Park Mall in Ashford had been given until the end of August to move out by owner Ashford Borough Council (ABC), but they can now stay until 9 January 2026.

ABC said this would facilitate a smoother transition for tenants and also allowed them to continue to trade during the festive period.

"Several tenants said they needed more time, so we hope this extension will assist tenants in their search for new premises," said ABC chief executive Tracey Kerly.

The council, which acquired the leasehold of Park Mall in 2015 as part of its long-term regeneration aspirations for the town centre, said it had attempted to support local traders while also meeting operating costs.

However, it said that a continuing decline in the retail sector and the departure of several anchor tenants, combined with escalating maintenance works, had resulted in the centre running at a "significant, unsustainable loss".

Ms Kerly added: "We have been actively engaging with all tenants and listening to the feedback."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.