East Ashford
This neighbourhood was originally the hamlet of Ashford Common. With its large post-war family houses, many of which have their own driveways and gardens, it’s no surprise that the neighbourhood attracts many affluent commuting families. Those who have made the move for the affordable real estate and spacious homes, end up being pleasantly surprised by the many things East Ashford has to offer them. There’s plenty of outdoor space, and children love staying active at the Lakeside Sports Ground as well as the Spelthorne Sports Ground. With the enormously beautiful Queen Mary Reservoir so accessible, it’s easy for residents to get involved with the Queen Mary Sailing Club. After all these athletic pastimes though, locals never have to go far for a delicious bite to eat. Between the kebabs at Ashford Charcoal Grill, and the celebrated curries at Indian Ocean, there’s something for everyone in the neighbourhood.
This neighbourhood was originally the hamlet of Ashford Common. Within the hamlet existed an inn, smithy and few cottages. Later on, in the 19th century, a few churches were built in the area, bringing with them more residents. Still, at that point, the land was managed by only a few property owners. Many of these owners had once managed manors in the area - leaving much of the locality still relatively rural. While the neighbourhood might not look like the rural hamlet that it once was, the area is still lucky to have a plethora of green space. Between the Lakeside Sports Ground and Spelthorne Sports Ground, there’s still plenty of grassland for locals to enjoy.
The vast Queen Mary reservoir can hold up to 6,750 million gallons of water. Local spokes people boast that it’s the largest free-standing reservoir in the world.
Unfortunately, this part of the neighbourhood doesn’t have any of its own rail stations. Even so, most residents don’t mind the short drive to the nearby Ashford station. Many other residents prefer to drive themselves to their jobs and errands.
Spelthorne Council recently did an assessment of the commercial district in Ashford and found that it was economically thriving - with few vacancies. However, there is still room for growth in the neighbourhood. With the incoming development in the bordering towns, the council expects to see a diversification of business in some of the local shops.
Recently, developer Telereal Trillium completed The Gate House, a residential development that delivered 6 homes and 31 spacious 1 and 2 bedroom apartments. Plans have also been submitted to turn a multi-storey car park at Church Street into approximately 40 new homes by the local council. Very near to the area, Berkeley Group, a large and well-known property developer, is already developing a large residential complex, by the name of ‘Eden Grove’, overlooking the Staines Reservoirs. It is expected to be fully completed in 2026, though homes will be ready to move into in 2023. The development will deliver a stylish collection of 1, 2 & 3 bedroom apartments, which will all be serviced by a 24-hour concierge, a gym, a cinema room & a co-working space. Interest in the project, especially considering it’s low prices compared to more central parts of London, has proven to be quite high considering that half of the flats are already sold.
Thames Water has also been carrying out improvement and new infrastructure works for the nearby Staines Reservoirs. In 2020, they carried out works on the dam and its associated infrastructure to extend its durability and longevity, claiming that these developments will extend the reservoirs usability well into the next century.