Did you know that a £75 million agreement was signed for the regeneration of Dartford?
On the 25th of January, Head of Regeneration Teresa Ryszkowska from Dartford Council came to talk to the A level geography students about the upcoming developments of Dartford and how the £75 million investment for the regeneration of the area is going to help make Dartford a more attractive environment for people to live in as well as visit.
The talk consisted of 9 sections: the current situation of Dartford, strategy for change, housing developments, evening/night economy, how sites come forward, how do we identify sites, public/private partnerships, transport/public realm improvements and future functions/roles. Ms Ryszkowska relayed to us how the council had successfully bid for a government grant to transform the confusing road layout around Market Street, the bus stands and other key streets around the town. The main aim was to make the area more attractive for shoppers by opening new food shopping centres as well as leisure centres to target the younger audience, since many go to bigger centres such as Bluewater. The proposed scheme comprises of: a 6 screen cinema, 109 bed hotel, 5 bars and restaurants, up to 140 new homes, a new public square, a multi-storey car park with 167 spaces, 37,250 square feet for restaurants and bar spaces and potential healthcare provision.
Furthermore, by bringing the spirit of Central Park into the town centre, it can make it easier to park and enhance the heritage of places like the Library and Acacia Hall. Finally, due to the growing population, the council are planning to build an additional 4,000 new homes within 1 mile of the town with potential for further 3,000, welcoming as much as 14,000 new residents. This helps to accommodate the ever-changing population profile.
It was also mentioned that works are starting in Market Street. Improving access into/out of town by all means of transport makes it easier for shoppers and visitors to park and the creation of new ‘pocket parks’ to provide calm, natural spaces helps residents to enjoy a break and relax over coffee or lunch. The aim here is for Market Street to become a public space that’s much more about trees, planting and green spaces than it is about concrete, railings and bollards. It’s planned to be a wonderful transition between the high street and the Central Park.
After the talk was done, she asked us about our opinions on Dartford Town Centre and what we think should change or be added to the area. One said, “It would be nice for more leisure areas in Dartford as many go to Bluewater because the facilities just aren’t found here” and another added, “maybe a clear up of the pond and lakeside areas so that people can enjoy walking/cycling around there more.”
Construction of the town's regeneration is due to commence in summer 2019.
