Town centre regeneration poised to expand
00:00, 03 June 2013
The regeneration of Maidstone town centre could spread to other streets, if the borough council gets its way.
The council’s wish list includes granite paving in Earl Street and Gabriels Hill, in the same style as the work which has already been completed .
Work has also begun on bringing the lower High Street into line with its neighbour, spreading the paving, seating areas and planting towards the riverside.
But now it has emerged that councillors have Gabriels Hill and Earl Street in their sights.
The upper High Street project amounted to £2 million, with the lower High Street expected to cost £1.2 million. Estimates for the two additional streets are not yet known.
The council has got as far as getting quotes for re-paving the road, which are expected next month, and which will go alongside planters and trees.
Work is also going on behind the scenes to include Earl Street in the scheme, to improve it as a restaurant destination.
Cabinet member for regeneration, Cllr Malcolm Greer (Con), said: “Earl Street is the top restaurant destination for Maidstone. I’d like to see it pedestrianised to make it even more attractive for diners. It is on my wish list for the town.”