Project phasing
Pressure on the Council’s capital resources
has meant that a phased approach to the project’s implementation
will be necessary. It is recommended that Phase 1a and 1b
illustrated in Appendix 3 be implemented in 2011/12. Phase 2
can be implemented later when capital funding become available.
Some immediate changes to the Lower Higher Street is proposed to
enable the full implementation of the Traffic Regulation Orders and
also to provide loading/disabled parking bays on the High Street.
These changes are set out in Appendix 4.
Each of the three phases are self
contained. 1a is defined by the need to relocate bus stops from the
upper High Street to Middle Row and King Street. 1b is Bank
Street.
1a includes the junction of Week
Street, High Street, King Street and Gabriel’s Hill. It is this
point within the whole project area which will be seen by the most
people (shoppers, visitors) and consequently will have the most
visual impact. It will leave a lasting impression of quality on the
most people.
Bank Street, one of the oldest streets
in Maidstone, is in need of regeneration. The viability of some
retailers is not strong as evidenced by the frequent churn of
retailers starting up but not surviving long.
How much of the full benefits of the
project will be captured if only a partial scheme is implemented is
difficult to assess. There are still vacant units in the phase 1a
and 1b areas. Strengthening this area will help increase footfall
and make shops more viable. Job creation is still likely even if
only 1a and 1b are delivered.
Undertaking phase 2 first would leave
the area isolated. Most of the shoppers and visitors travelling
between Fremlin Walk, Week Street and the Mall will not see or know
that phase 2 has been implemented and will draw them down to the
Lower High Street.
Much is said about the perception of
Maidstone not living up to its County Town status and that
Maidstone is not considered to be an affluent area. These
comments are often followed by, and associated with, the town is
run down, shabby, or poor quality. These views do not give
businesses confidence to invest and it likely to lead to shoppers
and visitors choosing elsewhere to spend their money, further
weakening the economy.
Appendix 1
Appendix 2
Appendix 3
Appendix 4