Decision could lead to move for town’s market
Square ready to benefit as Lockmeadow ‘not the right location’
After 100 years at Lockmeadow, Maidstone’s Saturday Market could move to Jubilee Square if councillors relax restrictions on traders.
Tonight (Thursday), members of the borough council’s planning committee are set to approve the doubling of the number of days markets can be held at the square to 120.
If approved, the policy could also see the new monthly farmer’s market run fortnightly, with more scope for other oneoff Christmas fairs and seasonal events in the square.
Cllr David Pickett, chairman of the council’s heritage, culture and leisure committee, said the move would only improve the town centre. He said: “I welcome any initiative to improve the use of Jubilee Square. Any plan to be able to use it more effectively and revive Maidstone’s stalls is a good move I think and we should keep our options open while we look to energise them both.”
Maidstone has had a market for at least 700 years. It was given official recognition when the town was granted a royal charter in 1548.
Initially they were held in High Street, but at the turn of the 19th century the town became a hub for livestock sales and traders moved to Lockmeadow, which had more room to pen animals.
This aspect has disappeared and today shoppers visiting the Lockmeadow complex every Tuesday and Saturday browse tables of everything from books to bric-a-brac and clothing.
While previously too big for the square, the Saturday slot has seen declining footfall and is now small enough to fit in the town centre, according to officers.
They state: “Reports indicate Lockmeadow is also not the right location and moving the market to Jubilee Square would encourage more use, increase viability and bring the facility closer to existing and potentially new customers.”
Jubilee Square was unveiled in 2012 after the council invested millions in improving the areas around the High Street. As well as improving the look of the square, electricity points were installed.
Regeneration works are set to continue with a £3 million revamp of Week Street and Gabriel’s Hill on the cards for early 2018 after residents had their say on new designs.
Members of the planning committee are due to discuss the application tonight at the Town Hall from 6pm, and it is open to the public.