Swedish bank Handelsbanken to open office in Ashford

Ashford is firmly establishing itself as ‘an international town’ after Handelsbanken, the Swedish-owned bank, decided to open an office in the town centre.

Since beginning operations in Britain in 1982, Handelsbanken now manages a network of nearly 200 branches across the UK. Founded in 1871, it is one of Sweden’s leading banks with 834 branches in 25 countries, and more than 11,700 employees.

The bank is set to move into a space at International House, which was acquired by Ashford Borough Council a year ago as part of the planned Commercial Quarter development - new business hub for the South East.

David Kiernan of Handelsbanken revealed that a key factor in the decision to open an office at International House was Ashford’s rail connections – London St Pancras is only 38 minutes away via HS1 high-speed trains.

He said: “The station is on our doorstep so commuters will be able to pop in to see us on their way to work.”

Cllr Gerry Clarkson, leader of Ashford Borough Council, added: “We are delighted that such a highly-regarded financial services company has recognised the many benefits of choosing International House. As a result of a highly-proactive marketing drive – including exhibiting at MIPIM UK last October where we attracted strong interest from developers and investors – we are in advance negotiations with a number of other potential tenants.”

Permission has been granted for the first phase of the Commercial Quarter, a mixed-use development with the potential to deliver up to 590,000 sq ft of prime office space, 150 homes and several thousand jobs.

Public realm works, funded by £1.3m from the HCA, are currently transforming the site surrounding International House into an open area, complete with enhanced pedestrian routes from the railway station to the town centre.

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