Early engagement update

We are pleased to provide an update on our plans to reimagine Earl Street as a greener, more welcoming space where businesses can thrive. We recently engaged with the local community to understand your priorities and ideas for public realm improvements.

Throughout the early engagement period from 22 June to 19 July 2026, we received 833 responses to the online survey and captured feedback from key stakeholders at activities including a business walkabout, inclusive design assessment, and community world café workshop. Thank you to those who shared their feedback.

Key priorities emerging from the feedback included:

• Enhancing public spaces by creating more opportunities for seating, outdoor dining, and improving the look and feel of the street
• Introducing more greenery to create shade, biodiversity, and visual appeal
• Reducing traffic dominance to improve perceptions of road safety
• Improving the accessibility of the street with quality surfaces and crossing points
• Supporting the thriving gig economy by providing formalised parking arrangements for delivery riders
• Building local heritage into designs to celebrate local history and identity.

What happens next?

Your insights and suggestions are now helping us develop early designs for improvements on Earl Street. We will share these ideas and engage with the community later this year to hear your thoughts and help shape the final designs.

If you have any further questions or feedback in the meantime, please get in touch in one of the following ways:

Email: Consultation@projectcentre.co.uk

Phone: 020 7112 5135

Write: Maidstone Borough Council Depot, Park Wood Industrial Estate, Bircholt Road, Park Wood, Maidstone ME15 9XY