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Ashford has been given a distinctive new town centre, setting the stage for further development.
This bold project was initiated as part of the Sustainable Communities Plan. The three-lane, one-way ring road had been identified as a barrier to creating a viable and sustainable place for living and working.
The design aimed to provide a better balance among different road users, rather than just focusing on the car. A series of interconnected town centre streets were created, with a new, well marked route between the railway station. Pedestrian paths were widened, plentiful secure cycle parking installed and new bus stops made for existing routes as well as new park and ride services. New trees have been planted and there is regular, sheltered seating
Three artists created artworks, including curved lighting columns, which have been skilfully integrated to be both practical and inspiring.
The project was not without its critics, and a Champions Group of various specialists was formed to address concerns. The public were extensively consulted and a marketing campaign also helped to promote the project.
"This urban project reverses old ideas about ring-roading city centres and instead provides civilised streets."