New places to enjoy in Ashford Town Centre

Parts of Ashford Town Centre are starting to look a little different as new seating, furnishings and bunting will be decorating upper Bank Street and Middle Row.

This temporary pilot scheme delivers some interventions that links to key themes from the Town Centre Reset - integrated play, feature lighting, temporary public realm and outdoor seating. If successful this could lead to further, more permanent features in the future.

This short-term regeneration project aims to encourage active and healthy lifestyles by introducing informal play opportunities, attractive places to meet and dwell and enhancing of public spaces.

It provides a new look and feel to areas of the town centre, with additional cleaning, re-decoration and new planting, bunting and seating adding a touch of colour.

New seating installation and planting at Middle Row, Ashford Town Centre

Cllr Nathan Iliffe, portfolio holder for regeneration & corporate property, said: “Ashford Borough Council is looking at ways to entice visitors into the town centre, and give them more reasons to visit, spend time with friends and enjoy.

“We have held a number of popular family friendly events, which have drawn crowds in, and now we’re looking to add a bit of colour to parts of the high street too.

“Already we have received positive comments from passers-by when some of the new seating and planting was being installed and we know nearby businesses are hoping this might help to give their trade a little boost too.

“This temporary pilot scheme delivers some interventions that links to key themes from the Town Centre Reset - integrated play, feature lighting, temporary public realm and outdoor seating. If successful this could lead to further, more permanent features in the future.”

Share your views with interactive signage

It is important to gain feedback from residents, visitors, shoppers and businesses on these ideas. We will therefore also introducing interactive signage around these locations in conjunction with a company called Hello Lamp Post, to capture feedback and explain more about what we are doing via QR codes and text messaging.

Ashford’s high street has been the place to be this summer with a series of family-friendly events and workshops as part of The Fabric of Ashford; The Place That Makes Us campaign.

This year has featured a fabulous line-up of events throughout July and August including pop-up workshops, live music, storytelling workshops, street entertainment and art installations. 

The finale event on 20 August will showcase the borough’s community spirit in the form of the Ashford Tapestry; a community-created art project comprising colourful fabric artwork, all sewn together to form an impressive art installation. 

For more information visit Loveashford's website.