Residents shown £3 million scheme for centre of town
Improvement project out for consultation
Shoppers have been getting to grips with plans to carry out a long overdue facelift of Maidstone’s town centre.
The £3 million overhaul is currently going through six weeks of public consultation, with work due to begin in the New Year.
The plan is to improve the length of Week Street and Gabriel’s Hill, ending outside Gala Bingo – the junction of Lower Stone Street and Palace Avenue.
Two public exhibitions were held in Jubilee Square last Thursday and Saturday with officers involved in the project talking to residents and businesses about the designs.
Presently these include a timeline charting key points in the town’s history in Week Street as well as new, level paving, trees, and the creation of themed ‘squares’ at various junctions.
One is the Iguanodon Square, planned for the St Faith’s Street turn-off with access to Maidstone Museum, reminding visitors that an Iguanodon skeleton was found in Maidstone.
Pam Barry, 60, viewed the proposals. The College Avenue resident said: “I like it, it’s very good. My one concern is when the trees are planted sufficient space is taken for the roots because of the damage they can cause.”
Joan Gilkes, 84, of Lushington Road, agreed. She said: “Any change is good. It is about time the area had a bit of investment and I hope it brings back some shops.”
Others, however, questioned the scope of the project.
Mark Stone, who runs Semma4 in Lower Stone Street, said too much emphasis is being given to just a few streets while there are other central areas in greater need of investment, including Brewer Street and Lower Stone Street.
He said: “I would like to see money invested in outlying areas first.
“I am sure there are lots of others in the area who feel the same way.”
For more information on the scheme visit www.maidstone. gov.uk/business/regeneration or watch a video at bit.ly/maidstoneregen
Any feedback on the designs can be sent to phase3@maidstone.gov.uk.