Dartford Borough Council commissioned Project Centre to develop a public realm improvement scheme for Market Street.
Dartford was experiencing large scale growth and to support the regeneration of the town Dartford Borough Council sought improvements that would transform the area into an exemplary town centre attracting visitors, new residents and private sector investment. These improvements were funded by £12m Kent Thameside Strategic Transport Investment Programme (STIP) and Local Growth Funding.
Market Street was one of several exciting projects that aimed to transform Dartford. In summary the town, although lively, consisted of cluttered and confined pedestrian areas and was heavily dominated by vehicular traffic and car parking. These factors resulted in significant severance and created an environment that impacted negatively on user’s experience of the town.
The main objective of the Market Street project was to overcome existing severance issues, improve connectivity, introduce changes that promote active travel. It’s also to provide high quality public realm, thus improving the viability and potential of Dartford Town Centre.
Process
Project Centre’s multi-disciplinary team provided services in public realm design, civil engineering, transport planning and lighting design reshaped Market Street, creating a high quality, pedestrian friendly square interfacing the Town Centre with Central Park.
Delivered on time and within budget, the scheme included:
- Proposals for decluttering and widening of footways
- Reduction in carriageway width, creating a traffic calmed environment and providing additional footway space for pedestrians
- Enhancing and widening the area outside the Grade II listed Holy Trinity Church
- Provision of shorter crossing points to reduce pedestrian and cyclist waiting times
- Provision of a direct crossing point within Market Square that improves connectivity and creates a link to new development sites
- Review of cycle facilities that will form part of a direct north to south link, connecting the railway station to the Town Centre
- Developing proposals for the relocation of bus stands and supporting the Client on liaison with bus operators
- New highway drainage system with improved access for future maintenance
- New street lighting system achieved with a reduction in number of columns
- Introduction of south facing lawn areas to take advantage of the views to the Museum and Central Park
- Introduction of landscaping utilising robust species to provide a contemporary extension of Central Park
- Natural stone seating wall providing a distinctive visual identity to the space
- Use of feature paving and light and warm granite mixes to create contrast between areas
- Introduction of new trees complete with soil cell modules, ensuring plentiful growth zones to support new root systems
Outcome
The changes to Market Street will continue to reduce vehicle dominance and create an environment that prioritises pedestrian and cycling movement. The proposal is sympathetic to the town’s heritage whilst providing a contemporary space that will encourage people to stay and enjoy the new square.
Speak to one of our team today to find out more.
In summary Dartford Borough Council have commissioned us to develop a proposal for improvements to the adjacent High Street.
