A project to redevelop the centre of Ashford, Kent, UK is described. The process will include the replacement of the four-lane ring road that stifles development and limits pedestrian access with a new two-way carriageway. The new road will accommodate pedestrians and traffic equally using the concept of shared space. The 'quality street' will be designed by sculptors, artists and engineers. Most of the road will have a 30 mph speed limit and reduced road markings and signs. All visual clues for motorists will be removed in one third of the scheme along Elwick Street, where the carriageway width will be reduced to 6m and the speed limit reduced to 20 mph. A new town square will be built alongside a new retail extension. In the residential western end of the new street there are plans for a pocket park between the two carriageways. Temporary art installations have been commissioned to run during the course of the project. The integrated scheme will look at ways of reducing the scheme's impact on the natural world. Kent County Council has altered its original plans to remove all curb faces following protests from the visually impaired. Bus provision and infrastructure for the town will be improved.
Samenvatting