According to KentOnline, the construction shut down Newtown Road for several months, resulting in "controversy," as well as the closure of the original food court.

[4] The full extension opened in November 2019, with new stores including Coach, Sandro, Maje and Karl Lagerfeld.

Reported KentOnline, the mall ordinarily saw 10,000 visitors each day, but had been empty for some time due to the coronavirus lockdown.

[7] In February 2021, there was some controversy when McArthurGlen management asked the Ashford city council to "relax planning regulations which currently force the site’s new restaurants to close at 7.30pm."

President of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce instead argued increased traffic overall would enhance "the offer of Ashford as a town.