One of the key thinkers behind Ashford’s Shared Space concept is coming to Ashford.

Ben Hamilton-Baille will be on hand to discuss the benefits of the scheme, which aims to provide a safe mix of traffic and pedestrians in areas such as Bank Street, which recently reopened to traffic.

Shared Space is a key element of the multi-million pound reconfiguration of Ashford’s ring road.

Mr Hamilton-Baille will give his talk at St Mary’s Church, The Churchyard, Ashford, on Thursday, September 11, at 6.30pm. The event is free and is open to all.

The pioneering ring road scheme is an important one for Ashford. By removing the restraint that the former ring road provided; the town centre will be able to expand beyond the old boundaries, and support future developments that will benefit the town as it grows.

When it’s finished the scheme - a national first and the largest of its type in the country - will open up the town centre again, and make it a more attractive, pleasant environment with new street cafes and shops facing onto new treelined streets.

Ultimately the changes will make the town centre a vibrant, attractive destination for residents, shoppers and businesses.

The first phase of Ashford’s shared space area has been completed with contemporary pavings, new seating and street lighting. The whole scheme is due for completion in the autumn.

For more information download the Shared Space flyer (60kb pdf).

Media Release 0233/08
29/08/2008