Contractors are finalising works to Ashbourne’s Market Place, making it pedestrian-friendly and more attractive for events. Led by Derbyshire County Council, the project includes wider pavements, better crossings, new trees, restored setts, improved lighting, and modern seating and cycle stands. Asphalt will be replaced with limestone setts to preserve local character. New bollards are being installed to enhance safety during public events, following recommendations from Derbyshire Police.
IMAGE: Artist's impression showing how the Market Place could look, by scheme designers Aecom.
New entrance arrangements at the Market Place will slow vehicles and prioritise pedestrians after car parking is removed. The area will close to vehicles during events, but deliveries can still access it at other times. A local Ashbourne firm will supply the 'glide' bollard system, similar to Chesterfield's Market Place.
Works in the Market Place are expected to largely complete in time for the Christmas lights switch-on event on Saturday 15 November. The regeneration will enable a wide variety of events in the future, and local Ashbourne Reborn partners are working on a programme of events and activities for when the work is complete.
Although the pedestrianised Market Place will no longer be used as a car park, a number of short stay spaces will be retained around the southern and western edges of the Market Place which visitors can use to park for free for up to 30 minutes (with additional time for disabled users). Two disabled bays will be formally reinstated, and a new area for motorcycle parking will also be provided on the southern edge of the Market Place.
Alternative car parks are available at the Cattle Market, which has been reduced to a flat rate of £2 per day, Cokayne Avenue, Shawcroft, the Bus Station, Leisure Centre, and Clifton Road. Additional on-street car parking bays, including disabled bays will also be created elsewhere in the town centre.
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