Led by the County Council, this project will transform a series of public spaces including the Market Place, Victoria Square, Millennium Square and Shrovetide Walk. Works to the road network on Dig Street, St John Street, Church Street, Station Road and Buxton Road will help transform the pedestrian experience in Ashbourne, with wider footways and new and improved crossings around the town centre.
Market Place & Victoria Square
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.
Watch Gareth Butterfield explain plans for the Market Place and town centre
Millennium Square
Plans for Millennium Square are led by Ashbourne Town Council, who voted to remove existing walls and replace them with soft landscaping and stepped seating, providing a shared community space which wraps around the Millennium Clock.
Shrovetide Walk
Shrovetide Walk will be developed into a welcoming space with seating where commemorative artworks will celebrate the unique contribution to the Ashbourne community of the annual Royal Shrovetide Football. This project is led by AshCom, a not-for-profit volunteer-led organisation who have contributed vital match funding through local fundraising and sponsorship.
Watch Sean Clayton explain plans for Shrovetide Walk
What are the benefits of the project?
The Highways and Public Realm project focuses on ensuring a safe and connected town centre through a series of traffic management, pedestrian safety and public realm improvements. The project will connect places of interest and heritage value and draw people into the town, both in their own right and as locations to visit, and as spaces to host Ashbourne’s vibrant programme of events. These improvements will be complemented by measures on key streets that are currently dominated by heavy goods traffic. The scheme will transform the experience for pedestrians and create a welcoming and accessible environment for visitors as well as providing confidence for investors.
