Curtain Raised on a Bright New Future for Ashford’s Former Odeon/Mecca!

Big news for Ashford’s cultural scene — the curtain is officially rising on plans to bring the town’s much‑loved former Odeon/Mecca Bingo building back to life!

Ashford Borough Council is moving forward with a fresh, creative vision that transforms this iconic landmark into a flexible cultural and community venue.

This new chapter responds to the community’s long‑standing call for more arts, culture and performance spaces in the heart of the town centre. And it is looking pretty exciting!

The plans celebrate everything we adore here in Ashford — creativity, community, connection and good vibes:

🎤 A flexible performance space

Room for 150–200 people to enjoy live music, comedy, spoken word, small theatre and all the fun things that bring people together.

☕ A cosy café/bar foyer

Think meet‑ups, catch‑ups, pre‑show drinks, laptop sessions… a friendly hub for everyday Ashford life.

🎨 A gallery & pop‑up creative zone

Perfect for exhibitions, community showcases and creative pop‑ups — giving local makers and artists a place to shine.

💃 A beautifully restored first‑floor ballroom

Workshops, rehearsals, dance classes, yoga, Pilates — a dreamy open space for wellbeing, creativity and community magic.

💍 Spaces for special moments

From meetings to weddings to local celebrations, the venue will offer flexible hire options full of charm and character.

♿ Modern, accessible & welcoming

Improved circulation, updated facilities and modern building systems mean everyone can enjoy the space comfortably.

With plans moving forward, the vision is set to bring new energy to the High Street. And while there’s still work to do, one thing’s certain: the future looks bright for this beloved landmark.

Stay tuned, Ashford. The show is just getting started! 🌟