Regeneration of Dartford Town Centre and Lowfield Street
New Proposals Announced & Public Exhibition Thursday 9th December and Saturday 11th December
Tesco announce public consultation programme and amend existing proposals - but retain promise of new jobs and wider retail.
Following earlier consultation in 2008 and 2009 Tesco has been reviewing its plans to take account of comments made by the council and local residents.
It is envisaged the revised plans will create up to 400 new jobs.
Dartford Council suggested that earlier plans be revised to take account of local people's views and Tesco has been pleased to adapt its plans. The key changes proposed are:
- Removal of high buildings along Cranford Road
- A major reduction in the density and scale of housing from 937 to just 176
- A significant reduction in the height of the new Tesco store
- A significant reduction in housing development overlooking Central Park
- Preservation of the Market Street Car Park
- Plans for an access road close to the War Memorial have been dropped.
- A Commitment to build a new clubhouse for the Glentworth Club to the design already approved by the Club
Tesco Corporate Affairs Manager Jonathan Simpson said: "The Council has been very clear about what it wants to achieve for Lowfield Street and the wider town. We've listened carefully and have developed new proposals which take these comments on board and which are also suitable for the current economic climate.
"Our new proposals will still create hundreds of new jobs for local people as well as new space suitable for other big name retailers and new community facilities."
Cllr Kite, Leader of Dartford Council said:
"It has taken a while to get to this point but my colleagues and I simply would not lower our ambitions that the development of Lowfield Street should benefit the whole town and not just one retail operator. These proposals would bring a superb Tesco store with a significant non-food product range but also give us a number of big format stores that other household-name retailers tell us they need.
We have also held firm on our belief that the design reflect Dartford's market-town traditions and I believe that the new proposals are better than those that went before. I am delighted to be able to lift the worries of residents in Cranford Road, and residents should have no doubt that we have taken every step to protect Central Park where we have spent so much time and effort on our Edwardian restoration.
It is time for residents to have their say and I hope they will take a fresh look and give us their view. Dartford desperately needs improvement and these proposals are a major step towards that."
Jonathan Simpson confirmed that Tesco will put in place a programme to help the local long- term unemployed.
"We are proposing to create a Regeneration Partnership, something that was not in our previous proposals.
"This will ensure that a percentage of the new Tesco jobs are aimed at the local long-term unemployed. We will work with the council and Job Centre Plus to identify recruits to the Regeneration Partnership who will not need an interview and will instead be offered jobs in the store following a successful training programme."
A Selection of Comments from Dartford residents:
"I feel it will breathe new life into Dartford for residents, visitors and shoppers"
"Totally support the regeneration of Dartford. New stores and facilities to draw people back into the town. The town feels so depressing at the moment, I welcome the proposals"
"I much prefer these plans especially reducing the amount of housing. The whole concept should enhance Lowfield Street and Dartford as a whole"
"Dartford needs to be established as the prosperous market town it once was, and I believe that Tesco and the council can do this by creating work and giving Dartford back its dignity"
"I want to see the whole Lowfield site regenerated so that this quarter of Dartford becomes more attractive. I am keen for the town to have a successful rebrand and this scheme looks like it could improve the quality of the built environment with additional improvements to the town image. I want to see clear benefits to local people, businesses and the community. It is important that the scheme is in line with the town’s character and needs. Provided the traffic flows and negative impact on local business are mitigated, I am in favour and quite excited about the plans"
"This is a much needed and long overdue store, this will hopefully wake up Dartford!"
"I much prefer these plans especially reducing and the whole concept should enhance Lowfield Street and Dartford as a whole"
"More greenery and flowers along the pedestrian link between the park and Lowfield Street would enhance the plans."
