An innovative new scheme to install five ‘parklets’ in Dover begins this weekend.
A parklet is intended to provide space for people to sit, relax and enjoy the environment, and can include planters and cycle parking.
KCC will be installing two double parklets, one between 38 and 42 Castle Street and the other between 68 and 70 Biggin Street.
Single parklets will be installed between 28 and 30 Biggin Street, 49 and 51 High Street and 41 and 43 Cherry Tree Avenue.
To accommodate the scheme, two parking spaces will be removed in Castle Street and five meters of parking on Cherry Tree Avenue.
Kent County Council will soon be working with local artists groups and schools on designs to go on to the parklets as part of the next stage of this project.
Given the current lockdown, KCC has been unable to do the community art aspect, but with lockdown easing on the horizon, it is hoped to move this forward in due course.
KCC Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport Michael Payne said:
“Research shows businesses near parklets like these benefit from increased footfall and economic growth.
“When we come out of lockdown and highstreets can open once again, the Dover parklets will help visually enhance the area, providing places for members of the public to rest and/or park their bike whilst shopping.
“KCC is committed to providing better cycling and walking facilities and these parklets will help make Dover greener, cleaner and will provide a more enjoyable experience for residents and visitors.”
The Dover parklets are the first of their kind in Kent, using sustainably sourced or recycled materials wherever possible – the seating has been created using recycled plastic from the sea and the choice of planting will encourage bees and other pollinators.
The parklets are funded through the Kent Lane Rental Highway Innovation Fund and through the Local Growth Fund (LGF) allocated to the South East Local Enterprise Partnership.
SELEP Chair Christian Brodie said:
“It is great to see such an innovative, global trend brought to life in the streets of Dover for the benefit of residents and businesses.
“We are delighted to have been able to support this project which meets so many of our priorities; providing life/work space that meets the needs of today’s workforce and addressing the green agenda, using recycled materials in an inventive way.
“We look forward to seeing these spaces in use, providing attractive rest space for those visiting the high streets which need our support as the local economy opens up in the coming months.”
For more information, visit www.kent.gov.uk/doverparklets and comments or questions can be emailed to kentconnected@kent.gov.uk with reference “Dover Parklets” in the subject line.