Town Centre
Over the years Dartford Town Centre has experienced decline and its reputation as a thriving market town has been eroded.
It is commonly felt that there are not enough good shops, and that the streets feel unfriendly and unattractive. However, all this is about to change.
Dartford Borough Council, backed by over £20 million of government funding, is committed to regenerating the town centre over the next 10 years creating a more vibrant, attractive and welcoming town centre for residents and visitors.
- Facts and figures
- Town Centre Map
- Town Centre Shops
- Acacia
- The Orchard Theatre
- Princes Park Community Stadium
Dartford's Future
- Why Dartford Town Centre's future is bright
- We have big changes planned for the town centre based on the Dartford Town Centre Area Action Plan
The Plan has now been submitted to the government for a public examination following several periods of consultation with local residents, traders and others with an interest in the town centre. Proposals in the Plan include improvement and redevelopment in three "districts" within the town centre:
Station District
Orchards District
River District
Lowfield Street
- Lowfield Street Planning Application Outline (or click here for Full details of the planning application, including plans and reports)
- Town Centre Regeneration Cross Party Working Group minutes and presentations
Central Park – A park at the heart – and leisure in the town centre
Central Park - comprises some 26 acres ranging from formal gardens near to the Town Centre, through ornamental areas to informal open space at the southern end towards Princes Road.
Central Park is currently undergoing extensive improvements to restore the park to its Edwardian splendour. Improvements are already underway with the new Princes Tunnel creating easier access along the riverside and through to Brooklands Lakes. The park hosts several popular summer events, including the popular Dartford Festival weekend in July.
Dartford's Past
Originally a Roman settlement, Dartford is an old market town with a rich industrial heritage. Paper making and cement production were major industries in the area for centuries, and many technological advances in production were made by companies here in Dartford.
