A series of surveys have been completed ahead of work which will see Ashbourne’s historic Grade II listed Market Place repaired and upgraded as part of the £15.2m Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme.
Carried out by a team from the County Council, the surveys involved using specialised camera equipment to take a series of highly detailed digital images, which are then stitched together to create an accurate representation of the surroundings. This information will be interpreted by experts to plan the materials needed for work as part of Ashbourne Reborn, due to start later in the year, as well as ensuring that the Market Place is properly restored when the project is finished.
Throughout Ashbourne’s history, the Market Place has been a focal point for activities, trade and people, and Ashbourne Reborn aims to restore a sense of vibrancy to this well-loved public space in the heart of the town. To achieve this, the area will be pedestrianised, new street furniture and lighting added, and trees planted to bring much needed greenery into the town centre. Grade II listed surfaces dating back to the 18th or early 19th century will be repaired and upgraded, and areas of asphalt will be replaced with limestone setts to match existing materials and local character, improving the space for Ashbourne’s vibrant programme of local events.
Led by the County Council, the highways and public realm project within the Ashbourne Reborn programme will transform a series of public spaces including the Market Place, Victoria Square, Millennium Square and Shrovetide Walk. It will also include works to the road network on Dig Street, St John Street, Church Street, Station Road and Buxton Road which will help transform the pedestrian experience in Ashbourne, with wider footways and new and improved crossings within the town centre.
Back in January 2023, central government approved a Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bid designed to regenerate Ashbourne town centre. The total programme will cost £15.2m of which LUF is contributing £13.4m. The difference of £1.8m is made up of match funding raised locally, including significant funds raised from Ashbourne Methodist Church members, friends and grants towards the Link Community Hub, the second project within the Ashbourne Reborn Programme, as well as grant giving organisations and local businesses.
The exciting programme is led by Derbyshire Dales District Council working with Derbyshire County Council and Ashbourne Methodist Church as key delivery partners, in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom who brought forward project ideas, identified opportunities and raised match-funding for the bid.
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