PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Designed by Hollaway Studio for leading cycle manufacturer Brompton, this landmark £100 million headquarters and campus in Ashford, Kent, will provide a new factory, 46,000m² of office space, a museum, and extensive manmade wetlands. The scheme supports Brompton’s growth ambitions, enabling expansion from 850 to up to 1,500 staff.
Located within a rewilded green corridor, the campus is elevated on stilts above Greenfield land to mitigate flood risk and preserve natural habitats. A circular walking and cycling path will surround the site, reinforcing the development’s commitment to sustainable and active travel.
From the outset, the campus has been designed to achieve carbon neutrality, incorporating features such as natural ventilation, optimised daylighting, wind capture, solar energy, and minimal car parking provision to encourage sustainable transport options.
Create has supported the project since 2020 fulfilling the role of Flood Risk Consultant, delivering technical expertise to enable development within Flood Zone 3. Our work to date has helped unlock this strategically important site, balancing innovation, sustainability, and resilience.
WHAT WE DID:
PLANNING STAGE:
- Flood Risk Assessment
Comprehensive evaluation of flood risks associated with the site, informing design and planning strategies.
- Hydraulic Modelling of the East Stour River
Detailed modelling to understand river behaviours and potential impacts on the development.
- Flood Compensation Calculations and Associated Modelling
Quantitative analysis to ensure that any loss of floodplain storage is adequately compensated.
- Environmental Statement (ES) Chapter
Preparation of the flood risk chapter for the Environmental Statement, supporting the planning application.
KEY ACHIEVEMENTS / BENEFITS
- Innovative Flood Resilience Strategy
We developed a bespoke flood mitigation approach, including elevating the buildings on stilts, allowing development within Flood Zone 3 while ensuring long-term resilience to climate-related risks.
- Planning Success
Our input was instrumental in securing planning approval from Ashford Borough Council in January 2025, helping to unlock a nationally significant, design-led employment site.
- Support for Sustainability Objectives
Our flood risk strategy complemented the project’s ambition to be carbon neutral, integrating seamlessly with wider environmental features such as manmade wetlands, green corridors, and active travel infrastructure.