Town centre regeneration

We are working with public‑realm designers dwg to develop proposals to improve New Road, King Street and the Windmill Street junction as part of the wider Gate-to-Gate project for Gravesend town centre.

The emerging designs build on feedback received from residents, businesses and visitors during our first phase of engagement. The aim is to create a greener, safer and more welcoming town centre that works better for people while continuing to support local businesses and essential access.

 

About the project

New Road and King Street are important routes through Gravesend town centre. The project explores how these streets could become easier to move through, greener and more attractive, while supporting the long-term vitality of the town centre.

The proposals focus on:

• improving the pedestrian experience
• introducing more trees and planting
• creating places to sit and spend time
• reducing unnecessary street clutter
• supporting businesses with flexible outdoor spaces
• improving paving and accessibility
• creating opportunities for events and activities

What you told us

During our first round of engagement, several clear themes emerged:

• the town centre needs more greenery and trees
• more seating and places to rest should be provided
• pedestrian routes should be wider and easier to use
• vehicle dominance should be reduced where possible
• businesses should be able to make greater use of outdoor space
• deliveries and servicing still need to be accommodated
• the town centre should feel more welcoming and attractive

How we have responded

The emerging proposals have been developed in response to this feedback.

• New trees, planting beds and planters are proposed throughout New Road, King Street and the Windmill Street junction to create a greener and more attractive streetscape.
• Wider footpaths, additional seating and improved pedestrian routes would create a more comfortable environment for residents and visitors.
• New forecourt areas and opportunities for outdoor seating would allow businesses to make better use of the public realm and encourage activity throughout the day.
• New paving, coordinated street furniture, public art features and wayfinding elements would help create a more attractive and consistent town centre environment.

Proposed improvements

New Road

On New Road, the carriageway would be narrowed to reduce vehicle dominance and create a calmer, more pedestrian-friendly environment.

Key features include:

• narrowed flexible vehicle area
• new street trees and planting
• enhanced greenery
• new street furniture
• public art features
• active forecourt spaces for businesses
• loading and delivery provision

King Street

On King Street, the existing carriageway would be replaced with new paving and flush kerbs to create a more accessible shared-use space.

Key features include:

• new paving and flush kerbs
• wider footpaths
• new planting and trees
• active forecourt spaces
• opportunities for outdoor seating
• public art features

Windmill Street and King Street junction

At the Windmill Street junction, proposals focus on enhancing the public space while maintaining comfortable pedestrian movement.

Key features include:

• enhanced planting and greenery
• new public seating
• public art features
• active forecourt spaces
• opportunities for outdoor dining
• a new digital information totem

Artist impressions

The artist impressions show how New Road, King Street and the Windmill Street junction could look if the proposals were delivered.

They are intended to illustrate the overall vision and character of the scheme and do not represent final designs.

Project timeline

What happens next?

These proposals are being finalised before progressing to planning stage.