Public Realm Improvements

From the time of its launch the EKP realised that making improvements to the local communities throughout the area would be instrumental to achieving its stated goal of making east Kent the place where people want to be.

However good east Kent's location is, however modern the business parks and office blocks are, it was realised that unless the towns and villages looked and felt safe, secure and vibrant it would still be very hard to attract new inward investment and make local people proud of their area. The Partnership has therefore been proactive in supporting projects that make substantial, long term improvements to the physical neighbourhood - the public realm.

Over the past few years a number of public realm projects have been supported by the EKP, stretching from Herne Bay to Aylesham and Margate to Dover.

The William Street Project, supported by the East Kent Partnership (EKP) to the tune of £50,000, is a great example of how public realm work can make areas a more attractive place to work and live. The project was proposed by Canterbury City Council to restructure the access between Herne Bay's town centre and the seafront, improving the street's appearance. By doing this, the project enabled a more inviting environment for pedestrians. The William Street Project was successfully completed in August 2007 and formed the second regeneration scheme in the town to have benefitted from EKP funding, following last year's improvements to Beach Alley.

Focusing on making the most out of public spaces has a positive impact, increasing local tourism, and therefore commerce for local businesses. Businesses in Canterbury's King's Mile would certainly agree with this. After the development of the White Friars shopping district east of the city in 2005, many local businesses felt that the public were neglecting to visit the Northgate areas. Areas to the north of the city, where many independent traders are dependent on tourists and high-end shoppers to compete with the bigger department stores, joined forces with Canterbury City Council on the 'King's Mile Enhancement Project'. The East Kent Partnership supported the project, which made use of £102,000 of investment in Palace Street, Guildhall Street and Sun Yard. Street furniture, lighting and park benches have created a pleasant shopping environment and made the area more pedestrian friendly.

Keith Williams, of the Canterbury Gallery in Orange Street, said:

"Footfall is crucial to all the traders in The King's Mile. By enhancing the area's environment, we are now able to create a unique experience for shoppers and browsers alike, which is crucial if we are to grow our businesses."

In Margate the EKP has been working with the Margate Renewal Team and Thanet District Council to invest in a number of infrastructure improvements and cultural activities in Margate as part of a campaign to change out-dated perceptions of some run-down areas - such as the Old Town - and raise the profile of Margate to a much wider audience. Today, Margate's Old Town is on its way to being restored as a bustling social hub of activity, with initiatives such as Late 'n' Live, which brings cafes, clubs and restaurants together to put on a range of activities, including late night market stalls and live music events.

Investments in public realm improvements have also actively helped local communities to engage with social enterprise. The East Kent Partnership provided £30,000 of funding for Aylesham's Cafe on the Square, led by Sam Bennett from the Aylesham Neighbourhood Project. The project has not only made use of an obsolete public space - the town's old derelict library - but it has given the community a brand new thriving business. The cafe services the community by providing a new meeting place and training/employment opportunities, and also uses local produce, which helps the area's local economy.

In Dover the EKP has funded some of the improvements to Dover Priory station and Maison Dieu House, by providing lighting projects to make the town a more vibrant and attractive place to be in the evening and to improve orientation and safety.

Janet Waghorn, East Kent Partnership's Executive Director, said:

"Investment in public realm development is hugely significant for local tourism and the economy, but it is equally important in giving east Kent residents a real sense of pride simply by walking through its streets.

"Creating the right environment is key to creating a positive cultural identity for residents and attracting interest and investment in under-developed or overlooked areas. Residents are, as ever, the area's best advocates, and as east Kent residents we need to be proud of the area we live in before we can expect businesses to invest here. From an EKP point of view it is great to have been involved and supported these projects that have made a real, tangible difference to the area, that have improved the quality of life for residents throughout east Kent."

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