Public Realm Design Guide - Maidstone Borough Council
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Public Realm Design Guide
Contents Page Executive Summary 3 Introduction 4-5 Definition of Public realm 6 Conservation Areas 6 Maidstone’s History 7 Public Realm History 8-9 Understanding Maidstone 9 The Zones 10 - 25 Overarching Themes 26 - 28 Acknowledgements 29 2
Executive Summary
Maidstone Borough Council is ambitious in its and the High Street, as well as the forthcoming
aspirations for the borough, its people and the programme of improvements and redevelopments
town centre. It recognises that the public realm of major sites due to be delivered between now and
plays a vital role in creating a sense of place 2031.
with connections to local historic and cultural
elements as well as providing a safe and attractive It recognises that Maidstone town centre has
environment for the public who visit, live and work many urban characteristics and works as a set
in Maidstone. of interconnecting zones. The guide focuses on
connectivity and upgrading the environment and
The Public Realm Design Guide sets out the takes a common sense approach to materials as
council’s intention to create a cohesive town centre well as advocating that embedded public art is a
with an integrated approach to achieving high key strategy in highlighting local distinctiveness.
quality public realm. It complements and builds on
the improvements to date, such as Jubilee Square
3
Introduction
Background Both priorities have clear public realm and pedestrian
links to the public realm, by: environment as identified in the
Maidstone Town Centre is Infrastructure Delivery Plan;
undergoing a programme of • Creating a more coherent
public realm improvements way of dealing with art and 2. Development in the town
and redevelopments of major public realm. centre should:
sites between now and 2031.
This guide was commissioned • Creating a more attractive i. Demonstrate a quality of
by Maidstone Borough Council place. design that responds positively
and it supports the Economic to the townscape, including
Development Strategy, the Scope of the Guide ensuring the conservation
Destination Management Plan and enhancement of the town
and the Culture and Heritage The scope of this guide relates to centre’s historic fabric;
Positioning Statement. the public realm located within
the town centre boundary of ii. Contribute to the priority
The emerging Local Plan for Maidstone, as defined in Policy public realm and accessibility
Maidstone Borough provides SP4 of the Maidstone Borough improvement schemes for the
the following vision: Local Plan 2011 - 2031. town centre identified in the
Infrastructure Delivery Plan.
By 2031 a regenerated and The Local Plan sets the
sustainable Maidstone town framework for development The Infrastructure Delivery
centre will be a first class in the Borough, outlines the Plan identifies a number of
traditional town centre at the Council’s vision for the town specific schemes to improve
heart of the 21st Century County centre and establishes strategic the public realm and pedestrian
Town that has maintained its policies to deliver this vision. environment in the town centre.
place as one of the premier town A number of these schemes are
centres in Kent by creating a Policy SP4 Maidstone town centre already being delivered, and it is
distinctive, safe and high quality sets out a number of policies anticipated that the remainder
place. directly relevant to the delivery will be delivered over the course
of public realm improvements in of the Local Plan period. This
Maidstone Borough the town centre, including: document can therefore guide
Council’s Corporate the design and delivery of these
Priorities are: 1. The regeneration of Maidstone and other public realm projects
town centre is a priority. This will located within the town centre.
• Keeping Maidstone Borough be achieved by:
an attractive place for all.
vii. The retention of the best
• Securing a successful environmental features, including
economy for Maidstone the riverside, and delivery
Borough. of schemes to improve the
4
Objectives of the Research Status of the Guide
Design Guide
This Guide draws upon many This Guide is recognised by
• To direct the development other reports and studies and is Maidstone Borough Council and
of accessible, sustainable, intended to be used in parallel was approved by the Heritage,
high quality redevelopment with them. These include: Culture and Leisure Committee
and improvement schemes in November 2016. It has been
that upgrade the town centre • The Kent County Council produced for council officers,
environment and public Design Guide. developers, contractors and
realm. stakeholders.
• The Destination Management
• Highlight Maidstone’s Plan. Developing the Guide
industrial and historical
heritage into the public realm • Town Centre Study 2010. This guide has been developed
design as a priority. by consulting with key
• Maidstone Borough Local Plan stakeholders, including Maidstone
• Use a common palette of high 2011 - 2031. Borough Council Officers,
quality materials to avoid a Town Centre Ward Councillors,
fragmented approach to the • Economic Development Maidstone Borough Councillors,
town centre. Strategy 2015-2031. Heritage, Leisure and Culture
Committee, One Maidstone1
• Ensure the conservation and • Maidstone’s Culture and and the Town Centre Strategic
enhancement of the town Heritage Positioning Advisory Board2.
centre’s historic fabric. Statement 2015.
• Create clear boundaries and • Strategic Plan 2015-2020.
functional spaces to assist
with connectivity. • Conservation Area Appraisals.
• Improve pedestrian and cycle • The Green and Blue
access between the town Infrastructure Strategy.
centre and the river.
• Integrate public art, as a key
strategy to help animate and
enhance local distinctiveness.
5
Definition of Public Realm
The public realm is defined as the This guide focuses on four Conservation Areas
public spaces between private aspects in the town centre:
buildings. These spaces will Streetscapes, Public Places, Parks Adopted Character Area
normally be usable by the public & Gardens and the River. Appraisals Supplementary
either explicitly or permissively Planning Documents detail the
and includes all exterior places Streetscapes definition: The locally distinctive character of
that are accessible physically visual elements of a street and an area, and offer guidance on
and visually including land in open space that combine to form improving the quality of an area.
private ownership to which the the street’s character; buildings,
public is afforded access. Other roads, pathways, street furniture Several Conservation Areas have
elements can include streets, and planting. been designated within the town
pavements, squares, parks, centre:
bridges, waterfronts, landmarks Public Places definition: Visible
and any public and civic building areas within a community setting • All Saints Conservation Area.
and facilities. open to the public or for public • Maidstone Centre
gathering. Conservation Area.
‘It is often in the spaces • Holy Trinity Conservation
between buildings where Parks and Gardens definition: Area.
human activity and social Public open spaces within • Maidstone Chillington House
interaction take place. These a community setting for Conservation Area.
spaces should be designed recreational use.
or adapted to respect or Conservation area appraisals
enhance a street’s sense of River definition: All land areas help preserve and enhance the
place’ Publicrealm.org along the water’s edge. conservation areas in Maidstone
Town Centre.
The public realm plays a vital role Street furniture and public
in the social and economic value art are also included within the
of communities. It can provide public realm and are covered in
meeting places, contemplative the Street Furniture Guidelines
and resting areas, create a sense (Appendix 1) and Public Art
of place with connections to local Guidance (Appendix 2).
historic and cultural elements
as well as a safe and attractive
environment for the public
who visit, live and work in the
borough.
‘Visitors want to enjoy the
public spaces in towns’
Maidstone Destination
Management Plan 2015
6
Maidstone’s History
Maidstone has a colourful history The cluster of Grade I listed
shaped by battles, revolts, religious buildings by the
witches, mad priests and later, riverside is particularly notable,
industrialists, brewers and with the Archbishop’s Palace, the
Victorian benefactors. Tithe Barn and All Saints Church.
Completing this nationally
Understanding the story of significant complex of medieval
Maidstone’s industrial, cultural architecture is The College of All
and historic heritage is an Saints partly Grade I with the
important aspect in defining Master’s House Grade II* listed.
the character of public realm in
Maidstone town centre. Chillington Manor, now the
Maidstone Museum and Bentlif
Historically, Maidstone grew up Art Gallery, sits at the heart
as a transport hub, where the of the town and is one of the
Roman road linking Rochester finest museums in the south
with the port of Lympne crossed east, with internationally
the confluence of the River Len significant collections, especially
and the River Medway, and where Ethnography, Japanese
these important waterways could Decorative Arts, Ancient Egypt,
be forded or bridged. Archaeology and Costume. The
museum boasts among more
The rivers became both sources than half a million artefacts and
of power for milling and other specimens including the only
industrial processes and human mummy in Kent.
transport conduits to London and
further afield. Key industries that have thrived
in the town include: thread
The Saxon village that grew up making, paper making, barge
on the banks of the Medway making, milling, distilling and
became a prosperous medieval brewing, all of which made
trading station and its historic use of the river. A good deal
wealth is reflected in the fine of trade also passed through
collection of heritage buildings the town, including corn, hops,
that characterise Gabriel’s Hill, fodder, fruit, stone and timber.
Jubilee Square, Bank Street, The quarrying of building stone
Week Street, Earl Street and around Maidstone has always
other parts of the town centre. been important and continues
even today.
7
Public Realm History
Maidstone was a recognisable Maidstone experienced significant
town by 1200 when the High rebuilding and new building
Street and market place were during the 18th Century, and
possibly developed. By the early as a result the importance of
14th Century it is thought that retailing to the town increased
the population of Maidstone considerably.
had reached about 2,000.
Occupations recorded for the The town has had a right to a
population around this time gaol since 1614, and the present
include tailors, shoemakers, prison was completed in 1819
skinners/tanners, barbers and is located in the north of the
and masons. The range of town centre.
tradesmen suggests a thriving
town catering for many of the By the late eighteenth century
needs of its inhabitants and of the dominance of the river
the surrounding rural hinterland. for travel was beginning to
It is probable that the first be challenged. By the 19th
bridge over the Medway from century, Maidstone was served
the bottom of the High Street by frequent coach services to
was built sometime during the London and the Medway towns.
14th Century, replacing the old The medieval bridge at the foot
crossing near All Saints’ Church. of the High Street was widened
in 1808 to ease traffic congestion
By 1446 it is known that Middle at the sole river crossing into the
Row had been developed, town.
infilling the central market space
of the High Street. Gabriel’s Maidstone West Station was
Hill and Wren’s Cross are also opened in 1844 and Maidstone
first recorded by their modern East Station in 1874.
names during the 15th Century. There are two principal railway
Maidstone’s charter was first stations: Maidstone East which
confirmed in 1549. connects with London and
Ashford; and Maidstone West
The importance of Maidstone which is on the Medway Valley
as a trading centre increased Line.
significantly during the 17th
Century. Key industries included
thread making, paper making
and brewing, all of which made
use of the river.
8
There has been a military 1960/70/80s. Today, the western
presence in the town since 1797, side of the River Medway is
when army barracks were first predominantly home to recent
built. Maidstone Barracks railway development consisting of large
station is located on the retail sheds and residential
Medway Valley Line to the north apartments. Developments in
of Maidstone West Station, and the town centre include Fremlin
was opened in 1874. Walk and residential apartments
adjacent to Brenchley Gardens.
The River Medway runs through
the town centre, linking Tourism panels installed in 2016
Maidstone to Rochester and the throughout the town centre by
Thames Gateway. The river has Maidstone Borough Council map
historically been responsible for out a historic route including
the growth and development of references to the town centre’s
Maidstone, due to its capacity to role in pivotal moments of
transport goods both into and out English history such as Wat Tyler
of the town. and The Peasants’ Revolt 1381
and The English Civil War in Understanding
Economic activity along the 1648. Maidstone
River Medway greatly expanded
in the 17th Century. Several Maidstone town centre has many
riverside industries were urban characteristics, defined in
particularly important to the this guidance by zones. Each
historical development of the zone is made up of layers of the
town, including brewing, milling, area’s cultural and industrial
distilling, and barge building. heritage, of which the current
patterns of use are the most
By the late nineteenth century, recent.
industrial development occurred
along both sides of the river, The characteristics, assets and
including timber yards, gas works features of the public realm
and breweries. within each zone are described
with the objective of providing
Development continued useful guidance within each
throughout the Victorian, inter- character area, while giving
war and post war periods and design teams creative freedom
a number of office and retail based upon their own site
developments in the town analysis and guidance.
centre were completed in the
9
Shopping 10
The Shopping Zone
Maidstone town centre is a
significant shopping destination,
offering a predominately
outdoor, street-based shopping
environment. The town centre
has a good mix of retail with
major, national retailers in
Week Street, with a particularly
concentrated offer in Fremlin
Walk, the southern end of Week
Street and The Mall, the town’s
main indoor shopping centre.
The local independent shops are
principally found within the Royal
Star Arcade and along Gabriel’s
Hill, Pudding Lane and Union
Street. These shops add to the
town centre’s distinctiveness and grain and rhythm of the existing Now an exclusive shopping
complement the mainstream townscape and that good quality arcade, The Royal Star was
shopping offer. building materials should be once Maidstone’s leading hotel,
used, preferably those which are frequented by the gentry during
A larger retail zone sits on the currently predominant. Further the town’s Georgian heyday.
west side of the river. These guidance on materials is detailed Princess Victoria stayed here in
units are close to the core of the in the individual Conservation 1836. In 1837 on winning his
town centre with routes across Area Appraisals. first seat in Parliament as the
the river for walkers and cyclists. town’s M.P, Benjamin Disraeli
These routes are indirect and Assets addressed the electors from its
limit the potential for sustainable balcony overlooking the Town
linked trips. The shopping zone is Hall on the High Street.
characterised by significant
Character Area Guidance cultural & historic assets. These Week Street, the main shopping
include: street provides some notable
Parts of the shopping zone fall examples of pargetted houses
within the Maidstone Centre • The Royal Star Arcade (no’s 55-57), which date back
Conservation Area, as a large • Gabriel’s Hill to 1680. Pargetting, a term
number of buildings are included • The Town Hall describing the use of external
on the List of Buildings of Special • Hazlitt Theatre lime plaster in a decorative
Architectural or Historic Interest. • Jubilee Square manner with incised or moulded
This defines local character and • Fremlin Walk surfaces. It would be carried out
architectural interest of the area • Market Buildings on new buildings as well as when
which covers Bank Street, Middle • Rose Yard old plaster began to decay.
Row and the south side of the
High Street between the top of Features Fremlin Walk shopping centre
Bank Street and the junction with itself was built on the site of
Gabriel’s Hill, Market Buildings/ The shopping zone features a Fremlin brewery, owned by
Earl Street area and Gabriel’s mix of chain and independent Ralph Fremlin, who by 1861
Hill/Lower Stone Street. shopping with two retail malls was Kent’s largest brewer.
(Fremin Walk & The Mall), a Fremlin’s connections in East
For the purposes of this design historic market at Lockmeadow India were symbolised by
guide the Conservation Area and a monthly farmers market his trademark elephants and
Appraisals for Maidstone held in Jubilee Square. weathervane, examples of which
Town Centre advise that new are on permanent display in the
development will need to adhere shopping centre.
to the established historic
building lines and respects the
11The Shopping Zone
Shopping Zone connection at junctions between: Shopping is one of the Top
Opportunities Week street and Earl Street; 3 factors influencing a visit
Union Street and Week Street; to Maidstone (Visitor Profile,
The following investment Brewer Street and Week Street. Destination Management Plan).
opportunities in the shopping The gyratory road system
zone can progress the aspirations Improvements and developments segregates the main shopping
of the Public Realm Design in the shopping zone should, area in the town from the larger
Guide. where appropriate make visible retail zone on the west side of
or reference the streams and the river. The Maidstone Bridges
Improvements around Maidstone rivers on which the town centre Improvement Scheme will help
East Station should help to has historically grown up. northbound traffic on the A229
create a new gateway and to avoid the existing gyratory
arrival/departure point for Year round cultural and arts system. This should open up
the town centre. Public realm events should be developed pedestrian access and help the
improvements should ensure within the public realm, which regeneration of the western
they retain and build upon actively encourages opportunities riverside.
Maidstone’s cultural history for locally based artists and crafts
and distinct identity. This people. Fremlin Walk is one of the
should be reinforced through Top 5 attractions (Destination
wayfinding and where possible Family friendly environments that Management Plan) for visitors
commissioned public art encourage people to spend more to Maidstone, however the town
which has a dual functionality. time in the town centre should centre is perceived as incoherent
Examples include paving details, be a consideration in the public and disjointed, segregated from
seating, drainage covers, and realm overall. the river. The tourism agenda
bollards. Street furniture should recognises the significant historic
follow the Street Furniture Negatives and cultural references to the
Guidelines (Appendix 1). town through strategically placed
The streetscape is generally in interpretation panels. Walking
Phase 3 Improvement Works to need of renewal across areas maps available at Maidstone
the north end of Week Street and that have not been redeveloped. Museum encourage people to
Gabriel’s Hill should contribute There is a patchwork of materials move around the town centre.
to the restoration of Gabriel’s where repairs and maintenance
Hill and Lower Stone Street to dominate the floor plane
its former position as one of the particularly along Week Street.
town’s principal public areas. The newly completed Jubilee
Square and Lower High Street
Connectivity should activate and improves this palette but lacks
enhance the shopping zone with character and identity.
natural squares that form a linear
1213
River and Green Spaces 14
River and Green Spaces Zone
Maidstone town centre’s key and now forms a large mill pond • River Medway and River Len
asset is the River Medway, a on the corner of Mill Street • Baltic Wharf
high quality green corridor that and Palace Avenue, which is a • Whatman Park
flows to the West of the historic prominent and integral feature of • Brenchley Gardens
core of the town. The River the landscape of Maidstone. The • Trinity Park
Len, a tributary of the Medway River Len continues to stream • Archbishop’s Palace and
also enters from the East but is into the Medway via Mill Street Gardens
concealed below ground through connecting the riverside through • Methodist Church, Brewer
most of town. Palace Gardens which features Street
mature landscaping. • Mill Pond, Mill Street
Maidstone town centre has a • The Lamb Inn, Fairmeadow
select number of attractive The Archbishop’s Palace a 13th (renamed Cork and Cask
accessible green spaces. They Century building was built on House)
are made up of the formal land owned by the Archbishops of
garden of Brenchley Gardens Canterbury from the 8th Century Features
adjacent to Maidstone East and sits on the banks of the River
Station, Trinity Gardens and a Medway. The River Medway is a prominent
larger urban park located in the feature that attracts a diverse
North West of the town centre, Fairmeadow was mainly used as range of river based activity from
called Whatman Park. There a livestock market. Traditional canoeing and rowing, a unique
is also a green area called the fairs continued to be held on floating restaurant next to the
Maidstone River Park that fringes Fairmeadow into the early 20th Archbishops’ Palace to one-hour
around the Archbishop’s Palace Century until they moved to boat trips taking in the sights
and Gardens, All Saints Church, Lockmeadow. A bowling green along the route.
Fairmeadow and the Hermitage was laid out on the King’s
Millennium Amphitheatre. The Meadow in 1642, and in 1699 a Across the river Medway is
River Park is a 10km walk along tree-lined and railed public walk the Maidstone Bridge first
the River Medway from Teston was laid out along the river. built around the 14th century
Country Park through Maidstone’s to give more direct access to
town centre, to Allington and Brenchley Gardens is a public the commercial heart of the
Kent Life. park of 2 hectares, laid out to town in the High Street than
the 1871 plans of landscape the previous crossing by ford,
Character Area Guidance designer Alexander McKenzie adjacent to All Saints Church.
(1830-1893). It is made up of The current bridge was built in
The River Medway is an area of an ornate square of open lawns, 1877-79 to the designs of Sir
peace and tranquility, where the flower gardens, paved paths and Joseph Bazelgette, engineer of
river corridor acts as a contrast a Victorian bandstand. There are the Thames Embankment and
with the urban townscape, and two prominent monuments in the London Sewage System, and
serves as a wildlife corridor by the gardens, one of which is a lies slightly to the north of the
linking urban habitats with the piece of the roof of the Houses original bridge. The bridge had to
countryside beyond. of Parliament in London, and be widened again in 1926.
The Cenotaph War Memorial,
Historically the influence of the designed by nationally renowned The Hermitage Millennium
River Medway is very strong architect Sir Edwin Lutyens Amphitheatre is an outdoor
to Maidstone, with its position (1869-1944). venue built of brick and Kentish
as a port of great importance. ragstone that sits on the
Records show the riverside Assets banks of the river close to the
crowded with wharves and Lockmeadow Millennium Bridge
industrial premises. Most trade The river/green zone is and the Archbishops’ Palace.
was with London with sailing characterised by its natural
barges carrying hops, paper, landscape features and an Whatman Park lies at the heart
fruit, cloth, corn, leather, and attractive towpath, with buildings of the Millennium River Park just
wool and ragstone. of special architectural or historic half a mile from the town centre.
interest. It is an 18 acre site and
The ‘hidden’ River Len was used combines a natural landscape of
to drive numerous watermills
15woodland and wildflower meadow will also be installed on Lower history and distinct identity. This
with adventure play areas, a High Street and the riverside of should be reinforced through
treetop walk, skate park and Fairmeadow. wayfinding and where possible
river stage open-air performance commissioned public art.
arena. Pleasure boats can stop Enhancing cycle connectivity is
at Whatman Park Wharf. Artist an important part of the River Landscape design and
David Annand was commissioned Medway Cycle Path Scheme management should reflect
to produce a public art sculpture which is currently underway. The Maidstone’s heritage as a green
for the park. The Double Helix scheme will provide a new shared town dominated by parks,
– the structure of DNA, is more use towpath, encouraging cycling gardens and street trees and
than 60 yards long and 10 feet and walking with direct routes for with an intimate connection to
high. cyclists and pedestrian to access the surrounding countryside.
the town centre. The route itself Fairmeadow was an important
Opportunities runs from Allington Lock to site where traditional fairs were
Barming Bridge, and is due to be held until the early 20th Century.
The opportunity to bring the constructed late Autumn 2016. Wildflower planting alongside
under-utilised rivers back into the riverside and highway verges
the heart of the town can help The public realm particularly should be coordinated in the
to progress the aspirations of along the waterfront should interests of helping to establish
the Public Realm Design Guide reflect on the riverside’s a distinct identity. Street trees
through the following investment historic era through heritage should be increased to ‘green’
opportunities to the town Centre: preservation, respecting iconic the town centre and help to
landmarks and developing more adapt to, and mitigate against,
Phase 3 Improvement Works cultural functions and character poor air quality.
to Gabriel’s Hill, these public such as riverside cafes. A venue
realm improvement works for the arts and cultural events Negatives
should reference the River Len would enhance the area.
as it enters the town centre. The relationship between the
This should be reflected through Where a continuous route river Medway and the town is
public art such as embedded text alongside the river path is poor and fractured with the
or pattern work into the surface unobtainable, improvement and river often hidden or obscured.
plane and hard landscaping. proposals should seek to provide Recent developments fail to
a pleasant, green and accessible make the most of the riverside
Re-imagining of the green public realm. Lighting and an and provide an attractive setting
corridor and improving access improved wayfinding strategy with a number of buildings
through pedestrian and cycle such as green/art themed trails, turning their back to it, creating
way routes should enhance information points, signage inactive frontages.
connectivity and provide green would improve a more joined up
links to the main shopping experience and create linkages to Fairmeadow also creates a
streets and Whatman Park. the existing green spaces and the barrier between the river front
Entrance points such as a new town centre. and the town centre. Flooding
pedestrian crossing should be from the River Medway has
considered to address the lack With the Phase 3 Improvement been a major issue for the
of pedestrian access to Fremlin Works to Week Street, the use lower High Street and subways
Walk from the west and any of functional public art could have acted as conduits for the
further proposals for the town reference green elements with flood water to travel through,
centre. features such as living walls, tree making public access prohibitive.
planting and use of high quality However the gyratory public
Current public realm works materials to enhance the natural realm works will permanently fill
being completed as part of the squares and create connected two of the existing subways as
Maidstone Bridges Improvement green links. they are no longer a desirable
Scheme will create a more route for pedestrians and other
desirable route for pedestrians Public realm improvements non motorised users. The third
with better crossings, around Maidstone East Station subway will be fitted with a flood
continuation of the materials should help to create a new gate. The public realm works
palette with the use of granite gateway and support and will provide new drainage and
(as seen in the public realm improve connectivity. The an improved pedestrian crossing
schemes phase 1 & 2) and new newly developed public realm including the continuation of
tree planting. New finger posts should ensure they retain and granite used during Phase 1 & 2
directing pedestrians to the river build upon Maidstone’s cultural improvement works.
1617
Leisure and Culture 18
Leisure and Culture Zone
Maidstone town centre supports Character Area Guidance Assets
a wide range of leisure, cultural
and tourist attractions. It has a The majority of the cultural and • The Hazlitt Theatre and Corn
high concentration of clubs and tourist facilities are based around Exchange
bars, restaurants and live music the historic core of the town • Bandstand & War Memorial -
venues and has a reputation centre. The public realm features Brenchley Gardens
for a lively and safe night time wider pavements particularly • Museums – Maidstone
economy. along Earl Street, which Museum & Bentlif Art Gallery
encourages the restaurants to and the Tyrwhitt Drake
The Hazlitt Theatre, the recently spill onto the pavements creating Museums of Carriages
extended museum on St Faith’s a buzz of outdoor activity. Some • Kent History and Library
Street and the Archbishop’s of the more established/chain Centre
Palace and All Saints Church restaurants have sympathetically • Gallagher Stadium (home
to the south, complements the converted historic buildings to to Maidstone United, and
offer. bring them into contemporary just outside town centre
use. Reasonably priced boundary)
Lockmeadow is the town’s accommodation supports the • Lockmeadow Complex –
major leisure and entertainment mix along with sports facilities cinema, bowling, restaurants
complex and caters for family such as fitness clubs, gyms, and historic market
activities whilst Earl Street has 3G football ground, river based
become a particular focus for activity and a tennis centre.
restaurants and cafés.
19Leisure and Culture Zone
Features Earl Street) should activate Year round cultural and arts
and enhance the network of events should make use of the
The Hazlitt Theatre, formally alleyways and corridors joining improved Jubilee Square, to
a concert hall, was erected in smaller streets to promote actively encourage leisure and
1869 and is named after William economic and cultural activity, culture opportunities for locally
Hazlitt, born in nearby Rose improve footfall, quality of based artists and musicians.
Yard, who found fame as an environment and connectivity.
essayist, art critic and artist. This should be in form of a Regeneration of the west side
pedestrian link towards the of the river should connect
Earl Street features significant medieval complex around All pedestrian and cycle routes back
buildings, most notably no’s Saints Church and the Rootes into the town centre. A new
31/33, a double-fronted town Building (Len House and Peugeot crossing should be considered to
house owned by Andrew Garage). further develop the cultural offer
Broughton, Mayor of Maidstone. and character. In particular a
Broughton was Clerk to the Attention should also be given venue for the arts and cultural
High Court and signed the death to Market buildings, High Street, events would enhance the area.
warrant of King Charles I in Middle Row, Bank Street, Rose
1659. When the monarchy was Yard and Gabriel’s Hill their Negatives
restored in 1660, Broughton was activation through commercial
charged with regicide. He fled activity, public artworks and The streetscape here is
and spent the rest of his life in improved lighting. generally in need of renewal,
exile in Geneva. materials are fragmented with
The night-time economy patchwork repairs and a low
No 32 Earl Street, constructed in concentrates activity on Earl visual quality. Street furniture
1882 as the Conservative Club, Street, the north end of Week is tired and mismatched and in
features over its entrance a Street, High Street, and Gabriel’s some places broken, there is a
carved head of Benjamin Disraeli, Hill. This zone attracts late night general need to declutter. This
once MP for Maidstone. In 1837, users leaving nightclubs and lack of investment is becoming
the year of the Queen Victoria’s bars who use a series of quiet noticeable in contrast to the
accession, Disraeli was first corridors and alleyways with re-landscaping of the completed
returned to Parliament for the reduced footfall making them areas of Jubilee Square and the
Borough of Maidstone and lived, more vulnerable to street crime. High Street.
as Lord Beaconsfield, to be the Public realm improvements
Queen’s trusted Prime Minister. should ensure good through The Lockmeadow complex is
visibility and activate routes with located close to the core of the
Opportunities good passive surveillance. town centre, however routes
across the river and gyratory
Investment opportunities in the A number of buildings in this system for walkers and cyclists
Leisure and Culture zone can area mark their importance are indirect and create a barrier.
progress the aspirations of the with historic plaques. Further
Public Realm Design Guide. improvements in this zone should
consider lighting as a way to
Improvement works for Phase highlight and reflect its distinct
3 (Week Street and Gabriel’s heritage and identity.
Hill) and Phase 4 (potentially
2021
Historic and Heritage 22
Historic and Heritage Zone
Maidstone’s heritage and historic The Medieval Complex consisting Maidstone Museum & Bentlif
offer is found in its streetscapes, of the Archbishop’s Palace and Art Gallery is largely housed in
buildings and river corridor. All Saints Church sits along the Chillington Manor, a fine example
It includes a collection of fine banks of the River Medway, of the domestic architecture of
Grade II and Grade II* heritage with the Tithe Barn (Maidstone the late Tudor period.
buildings found in Gabriel’s Hill, Carriage Museum)
Jubilee Square, Bank Street, St Peter’s Church, the oldest
Week Street, Earl Street and Assets church in Maidstone established
other parts of the town centre. in the mid C13 as the chapel for
The Medieval Complex of Grade • All Saints Church a hospital for pilgrims travelling
I listed religious buildings can • Medieval Complex to Canterbury is a fine example
be found by the riverside, most • Gabriel’s Hill of the treasured history that has
notably, with the Archbishop’s • Lower Stone Street shaped the town.
Palace, the Tithe Barn, All • Corpus Christi Building
Saints Church and the College • Drakes The Town Hall a fine Georgian
of All Saints. A handful of • Fairmeadow building dating from 1763,
Grade II listed buildings, reflect • Trinity Church served many purposes as market
Maidstone’s industrial heritage • Brenchley Gardens space, magistrate’s court, council
and are prime for sympathetic • St Faiths Church chambers and gaol. In Jubilee
conversion and re-use. • Maidstone Museum Square the statue of a young
• County Hall Queen Victoria dating from 1862,
Character Area Guidance • Maidstone Prison stands on the site of the ancient
• The Town Hall market cross.
Much of the historic and • High Street
heritage zone falls within the • Law Courts The Corpus Christi, is a 14th
Maidstone Centre Conservation • The river, its bridges and century building originally owned
Area. Within the historic core banks by the Corpus Christi Fraternity,
the High Street has recently • St Peter’s Church a society of local tradesmen who
undergone regeneration (Phase • The Baltic Wharf regulated business, observed
1 & 2 improvements) with • War Memorials certain religious services and
Remembrance Square in the provided for elderly and infirm
Lower High Street and Jubilee Features members. The Fraternity lasted
Square outside the Town Hall, in until 1547 when it was seized by
the Upper High Street. Reducing The Nolan Statue is placed the crown during the suppression
vehicle access has created a outside the former Ophthalmic of religious guilds. The town then
new public space that has a Hospital, Wyke Manor Road, and bought the hall and it served as
pedestrian-friendly environment, honours Captain Lewis Edward Maidstone Grammar School from
providing seating and tree Nolan, who was the first soldier 1549-1871.
planting and is now used for killed in the Charge of the Light
events and activities. Brigade in 1854. Captain Nolan The two notable Grade II listed
was Riding Master at Maidstone buildings in this zone are:
To the east of the town centre is Cavalry Depot between 1841 and The Baltic Wharf, a former motor
Sessions Square, a large paved 1854 and he attended the former vehicle factory on the west side
pedestrian friendly public space Holy Trinity Church. of the river bank, is a grade II
with seating and tree-lined areas. listed building built in 1917 by
The area is dominated by County Wallis, Gilbert and Partners,
Hall a neo-Baroque Façade and in collaboration with Truscon,
home to Kent County Council for Tilling-Stevens Ltd. It is an
head offices. Behind Sessions example of a factory designed
House is Maidstone Prison, using the Kahn Daylight System
designed by Daniel Alexander in and holds historic interest as the
1810. The prison is surrounded earliest surviving building by the
by a large perimeter wall built practice, the foremost factory
from Kentish Ragstone. architects of the inter-war period.
23Len House and the Peugeot into paving details, seating,
Garage (previously The Rootes drainage covers, and bollards.
motorcar showroom and Street furniture should follow the
workshop) was built in 1937-38 Maidstone colour palette of black
for Rootes Ltd by Howard and and gold for the Heritage/Historic
Souster, an architectural firm Zone.
who specialised in industrial
and commercial buildings and Coherence of approach and
who undertook a number of design will be critical to the
commissions for Rootes. The success of the public realm
site, adjacent to a mill pond improvements at both the
on the River Len, had formerly North end of Week Street
been occupied by a tannery. The and Maidstone East station
tannery buildings were acquired improvement programme. This
by Rootes in 1917 and were later gateway into the town should
demolished to make way for establish a sense of arrival and
the new complex of showroom, entrance and incorporate a public
filling station, workshops and art feature, seating, lighting
offices. At the time of its opening and planting to further enhance
in April 1938, the showroom the already pedestrian friendly
was considered the largest and environment around Sessions
most up to date in Kent; at night Square.
700ft of neon tubing outlined
the frontage and spelled out the Public realm improvements
name ‘ROOTES’ on the tower should demonstrate a quality of
above the main entrance. design that responds positively
to the townscape, including
Opportunities ensuring the conservation
and enhancement of the town
There are the following centre’s historic fabric
investment opportunities in the
Historic and Heritage Zone, which The public realm particularly
can progress the aspirations of along the waterfront should
the Public Realm Design Guide. reflect on the riverside’s
historic era through heritage
Public realm works in Gabriel’s preservation, respecting iconic
Hill as part of the Phase 3 landmarks and developing more
improvement scheme should help cultural functions and character.
to create attractive pedestrian
links towards the medieval Negatives
complex around All Saints Church
and the impressive Rootes Although Maidstone offers a rich
Building (Len House and Peugeot history much of this is dispersed
Garage) which has been listed at across the town centre with
Grade II since 2009. Public realm disjointed pedestrian access and
improvements should ensure neglected street scene.
they retain and build upon
Maidstone’s cultural history and Much of the core of the
distinct identity. town centre is prioritised for
pedestrians but in places the
Connectivity is key to improving quality of the surfaces and
the visitor experience and street furniture have begun to
providing clear accessible deteriorate and the connections
pedestrian routes across the between different locations within
town linking the disjointed the centre are not always
heritage offer. Commissioned clear and legible.
public art, which has a dual
functionality, should be
considered. Examples include
trails and themes incorporated
2425
Overarching themes
Connectivity across Events should be programmed river and provide areas for more
the zones in areas where people naturally activities and animation that will
gather such as Jubilee Square encourage visitors to discover the
Strategically located wayfinding and Sessions Square to create town’s heritage and culture.
should be used to connect the interest and increase footfall.
zones and historic sites giving Soft landscaping in the public
places a clearer identity. Responding to realm should be encouraged
Maidstone’s heritage allowing for low maintenance
Public art should be used to planting that reflects Maidstone’s
assist in wayfinding with an Highlighting and integrating heritage, introducing wildflowers/
artwork embedded into the hard Maidstone’s industrial and historic meadow mixes and native trees.
landscaping, seating, signage or heritage into improvements and
lighting. (Please refer to Public new developments should be a
Art Guidance Appendix 2) priority in public realm design.
Visual links should be made They may include references to:
across the town through the • Eminent people who have
use of greenspaces, planting, resided in the town and have
defining gateways or natural contributed to significant
squares in the public realm. changes in the world
• Key events that have shaped
Themed trails should assist in Maidstone’s history
activating and enhancing the • Industries that have thrived
visitor experience. in the town and contributed
to different stages of the
Direct footpaths for pedestrian town’s development.
and cycle access should be
created to connect the town Maidstone’s architectural and
centre with the existing original features and assets
green spaces and riverside should be respected and retained
environment. and enhanced.
Improved lighting should be used Any new elements in the
to highlight historic buildings as public realm should be bold,
well as opening up the network contemporary interventions.
of dark alleys and cut throughs
between streets. Public realm proposals should
reinforce emerging aspirations to
connect the town centre to the
26Continuity and Considerations Street Furniture
Coherence
Whilst developing the guide, Maidstone town centre is
Continuity and coherence is stakeholders have defined some identified by a palette of blue
needed in the public realm to common sense principles in and gold as a standard colour
avoid a patchwork of approaches. making the most of the public for street furniture except in the
realm: heritage zone where black and
Each zone is not strictly defined gold is permitted.
through its own distinct palette Tidy up – remove or replace
of materials. Instead, new public broken street furniture. Street furniture must be
realm must draw upon a common consistent in terms of materials,
palette of materials to suit its Declutter – survey every piece finish and style. Even where
locality and historic/cultural of street furniture and remove items are sourced from different
references. redundant items. manufacturers, they should
appear to be of a similar style
Materials for all sites should be Rationalise – where possible and look. See Street Furniture
selected for their durability and merge functions for example look Guidelines (Appendix 1).
functionality as well as their at seating as a way of hiding
appearance. utility boxes or combine signage Street furniture can be seen
and lighting. as an artwork integrated into
Materials sourced should be the public realm as well as
readily available beyond the Maintenance – refresh tired being functional. Commissions
life of the scheme to enable looking street furniture. Repair should take reference to cultural
maintenance, repair and and maintain existing signs. and historic heritage where
replacement of damaged areas. appropriate. Please see
Monitoring – work with Street examples in Maidstone Borough
The Conservation Area Appraisals Cleansing and One Maidstone Council’s Public Art Guidance
provides guidance on materials, to encourage reporting or (Appendix 2).
which vary considerably. The undertaking minor repairs as part
zones have their own unique of their role in maintaining the
qualities that can be developed public realm.
to help give a sense of place.
Design teams should use this as
a basis for their own research.
27Overarching themes
Shop frontages on the site now occupied by the Case Study: The Louis
present Ladies department. Nolan Memorial
Shop fronts across the town
centre vary in the quality of their In 1845 workshops in Palace A bronze statue depicting Louis
appearance. The appearance Yard were opened, where some Edward Nolan on horseback
of shop fronts should fit into twenty craftsmen were employed forms a memorial placed outside
their general surroundings and making half of the stock sold in former Ophthamic Hospital,
adhere to the conservation the shop. About this time, the church Street, Maidstone. This
areas and listed buildings legal famous 6 foot Wellington boot fine example of bronze statue,
requirements and guidelines as was mounted on the front of black granite plaques and obelisk
set out by Maidstone Borough the building. Most shoe shops of memorial made of Kentish
Council Planning department. this period had this type of sign Ragstone and Clipsham stone
outside, but few remain today. complements the palette of
As part of public realm public realm materials within the
improvements shop fronts Public Art in the regenerated site and the grade II
should ensure a sensitive Public Realm listed building.
choice to design and permitted
use of material and colours. Maidstone Borough Council Louis Edward Nolan (4 January
In addition a standard of has Public Art Guidance, which 1818 – 25 October 1854) was a
maintenance should be adhered supports the view that public British Army officer and cavalry
to and features of architectural art can contribute to, emphasise tactician best known for his
significance should be preserved. and enhance Maidstone’s unique role in the Charge of the Light
Lively and attractive shop heritage, cultural and natural Brigade during the Crimean War.
window displays should be assets. Nolan was educated in Tulln,
encouraged. where he was noted as an
Artists should actively be enthusiastic horseman and
Case Study: The Golden included in the designing of military theorist. His British
Boot History the public realm so that their Army career divided between
contributions are meaningfully Bangalor and Madras in India and
The Golden Boot was founded in and sustainably integrated within the Cavalry Depot in Maidstone
Maidstone in 1790. Today, seven the physical infrastructure of any where he trained as a riding
generations on, it’s still in the improvement, development or master.
hands of the same family and run regeneration scheme in the town
by father and son team Lawrence centre. A trusted voice on cavalry
Martin, Chairman and Edward matters, Nolan was dispatched to
Martin, Managing Director. Please refer to the Public Art the Middle East in the early days
The original site was at Number Guidance (Appendix 2) for of the Crimean War to hunt for
36 Gabriel’s Hill, opposite where guidance on definitions of public suitable horses. After returning,
the present shop is now sited. art, commissioning, themes and he was attached to the staff of
In 1845 the shop moved to maintenance. General Richard Airey, and in
number 25 and then, 35 years this role delivered the order that
later, following a disastrous fire led to the Charge of the Light
at the premises of Mr Ralph’s the Brigade.
grocers, the business was moved
into the newly built premises
28Acknowledgements
Further information:
1. One Maidstone1
One Maidstone is a Community Interest Company that is dedicated
to improving the trading environment in Maidstone and in so doing
enhancing the town centre for residents and visitors.
2. Maidstone Town Centre Strategic Advisory Board2
The Maidstone Town Centre Strategic Advisory Board is made up of
representatives from the private and public sector. The board’s role
is to support partnership working, stimulate investment and bring
forward development in Maidstone town centre.
Archive images by kind permission of Maidstone Museum.
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