Bank Street in Maidstone - becoming more popular

Stores opening doors

A number of shops and restaurants are taking advantage of the improvements taking place on Maidstone High Street, as some have recently opened or on the verge of opening their doors for business soon.

Cabinet Member for Economic Development and Transport, Cllr Malcolm Greer visited just a sample of these shops to see what the future holds and the opportunities available after the regeneration work is completed in April.

He said: “It’s pleasing to see so many shops which have recently made their way to the High Street, or those that are about to open soon. There’s only 16 weeks left of the refurbishment project and we have delivered it, so far, on time and on budget. The quality of work is of a very high standard and now shops are seeing the results they are beginning to move their business into the High Street.

“This was my aim when I launched the scheme back in 2009 and now three years on we are on our way to creating more jobs, giving business more opportunity and really helping the economic development of the town.”

Bank Street, which runs parallel to the High Street is also proving increasingly popular with shoppers because of its pedestrianisation.

A programme of events is also planned once the works are complete, which will bring more footfall down the High Street for the businesses to reap the rewards.