Ancient Market Area
Ancient Market Area revitalisation
Kingston’s much-loved Ancient Market Place is set to receive a make-over, and residents, Town Centre businesses and visitors have been encouraged to share their vision as part of a Kingston Council consultation.
After a rigorous tender process, in April 2011 the Council appointed architects Tonkin Liu and urban design and engineering specialists JMP Consultants Ltd to develop proposals for the Market Place and surrounding area. The consultation process is taking place in stages throughout 2011 and early 2012, and is being facilitated by Soundings who are specialists in community consultation and engagement.
As well as enhancing the appearance and atmosphere of the area, the consultation reviews the overall regeneration of the area by considering infrastructure, environmental issues and existing buildings such as the Market House.
Councillor Osbourne, Leader of Kingston Council explains: ‘’The redevelopment of the Ancient Market Area isn’t just about aesthetics; we want to improve the pedestrian links between the Market Place, the riverside and other Town Centre shopping areas, as well as maximising the impact of other Council services such as street cleansing, graffiti removal and waste management.
The Market Place was recently voted Britain’s second ‘Best Shopping’ street in the Google Street View Awards 2011 – this is an amazing achievement and I’m confident that through further development we can reach the top spot.’
What’s happened so far?
Stage 1
Since the consultation launch in June 2011, we have been speaking with the local community and representatives to find out the issues surrounding Kingston’s Ancient Market Area. We have been finding out what you would like to see happen, gathering your ideas, issues, priorities and concerns for the area. We have also been uncovering local stories and understanding what Kingston means to people.
All the information that we have received in the first stage of consultation has been analysed and the consultation findings have helped shape the initial design ideas for the Ancient Market Area – the Concept Proposals. The full Stage 1 Consultation Report can be viewed here:
Stage 2
In September / October 2011, we held a number of events exhibiting the initial Concept Proposals and asking for your feedback. The exhibition boards can still be viewed online, please see the link below.
All your comments in response to these design ideas have been collected and analysed. These findings have been drawn together into a set of detailed design considerations that will help guide the refinement and development of all Ancient Market Area proposals. The full Stage 2 Consultation Report can be viewed here:
Stage 3
Stage 3 focuses on the proposals for the Market Place as the heart of the Ancient Market Area and the first project to respond to your feedback and be designed in more detail. Outline designs were shown at exhibitions in the Market Place over January and February 2012.
If you were unable to attend an exhibition, a low resolution version of the exhibition boards can be viewed here:
What happens next?
The next stage of the project is to develop detailed and technical design drawings for the Market Place proposals, which will lead to the implementation, subject to funding. Kingston Council are aiming to source specific funding for the Market Place.
The detailed design and implementation of all areas will take place as a series of projects as funding can be sourced. The Concept Proposals developed by the design team, as informed by the consultation process, are the starting point for all of these future projects.
As the project progresses Kingston, Council will be in touch with the local community and stakeholders accordingly.
Project newsletters
Below you can download past project newsletters for a fuller history and explanation of the project.
Enquiries
Any enquiries about any aspect of the process and requirements should be made to:
Strategic Projects
Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames
Guildhall 2
Kingston upon Thames
KT1 1EU
Phone:020 8547 5002
Email: ancient.market@rbk.kingston.gov.uk