Here’s the latest update from Ashbourne Reborn, and Derbyshire Distrct Council.
With the summer holidays now in full swing the Ashbourne Reborn project is entering the final months with contractors and councillors hailing significant progress.
It’s now clear to see the difference the transformation will make when it is finished. Over at The Link Centre, members of the public can take a first look at Trinity Hall, the new event space in the community hub, where the restoration is looking fantastic.
The County Council and their contractors Galliford Try are prioritising the reopening of St John Street to traffic. This is still on schedule for 8 September. Planters are now in place in Millennium Square, and the Millennium Clock is now back in its rightful place. New bike parking hoops (pictured below) have been installed in Victoria Square, while the historic limestone setts are being restored and regrouted.
While the public realm works are still under way, the District Council has listened to Ashbourne businesses and has introduced free afternoon parking throughout the school summer holidays to encourage visitors to stay longer and spend more. This will now run from 12 noon in all District Council car parks until Sunday 7 September. They have located digital signage on the main routes into Ashbourne to make sure that visitors know about the concession.
This new summer initiative will complement free parking already available in Ashbourne, which includes the largest free town centre car park in the Derbyshire Dales (the 119-space Cokayne Avenue car park). Parking is also free for the first 30 minutes in all the District Council’s town centre pay and display car parks, plus, all Derbyshire Dales residents have a parking permit enabling them to park free of charge in every District Council car park before 11am and after 3pm every day of the year.
Image: Tactile crossings at the top of Horse and Jockey Yard
On 7 September, local businesses will take advantage of the last days of the road closure to hold the ‘Big Fashion Day Out,’ converting St John Street into a live catwalk with DJ sets, delicious food and drinks and a street-party atmosphere. The event is a celebration of community, creativity and style, showcasing independent businesses in the transformed town centre. It’s free to attend, or you can buy a VIP seat on the front row of the fashion show, where proceeds will help pay for this community organised event.
In early November, the Market Place is due to complete and Dig Street north is expected to reopen to traffic. This will mark completion of the main elements of the highways and public realm work by Galliford Try. After the main contractors have finished, the County Council is due to carry out some remaining work, including improvements to Shawcroft car park and Station Road to complement both projects. This was always planned and is expected to cause minimal disruption during the winter months.
Image: New loading bay taking shape on St John Street
The extension of the work on Dig Street from late October to early November came about partly because of the compact and historic nature of Ashbourne town centre. While that contributes to its unique character, it also presents challenges that can’t always be identified until works start on the ground. This was the case with a Severn Trent culvert running under Dig Street. This was found to have partially collapsed and to be in a poor state of repair. Previous reinstatement work by utilities companies on Dig Street were also not up to the required standards and needed remediation as part of the Ashbourne Reborn highways works. The extra time taken to do this now is an investment in the future and will help protect the improvements made through Ashbourne Reborn.
The Ashbourne Reborn project partners recognise that the works have caused disruption within the town centre. Unfortunately, this was inevitable, and the District Council continues to listen and take what action it can in working closely with the other Ashbourne Reborn partners. Free afternoon parking is the latest such action, and businesses have been offered support by the Derbyshire Dales Business Adviser. Derbyshire Dales has also worked with the County Council to pursue improvements to signage and signalling to reduce congestion on Station Street and Derby Road, although this has proved very difficult and no appreciable change has yet been achieved.
Nevertheless, the public realm improvements are now becoming visible, and the end of the major works is in sight. We are all looking forward to the benefits the scheme is designed to deliver for Ashbourne and that the business and community groups originating the proposals envisaged.
Image: Cornerstone set up in Trinity Hall AMC
At The Link Centre, where the project is led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, Cornerstone Cafe has temporarily moved into the church building while work happens in the cafe building. This is a great opportunity for members of the public to have a look inside the newly refurbished Trinity Hall, where pews have been removed, new level flooring laid, and heritage features have been restored and repainted. When Cornerstone move back to their usual home, the temporary kitchen and WC will be removed, new carpet fitted, and the finishing touches made ready for the space to be used for performances, conferences, community events and worship.
Finally, a reminder that although there is roadworks in the town centre as Ashbourne Reborn make improvements to the pavements and public spaces, there's still plenty to see in Ashbourne this summer and the heritage trail will show you the way!
The Heritage Trail is a self-guided walking tour designed to introduce you to the town’s history and offer intriguing glimpses into the many yards and alleyways. Starting from any point on the loop, there are thirty features close to the town centre and takes about an hour – but allow yourself plenty of time if you want to browse the interesting shops, or stop at a café, along the way. As your first stop, pick up a printed copy of the map and guide from Ashbourne Historical Centre at the Town Hall (opposite the Market Place, open 10am-3pm Mon-Sat), or download the guide from the Ashbourne Reborn website and follow it on your phone.
https://www.theashbourneshoecompany.co.uk/
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