The charming town of Ashbourne is gearing up for a stunning £15m makeover, enhancing its streets and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.
Ashbourne: This lovely market town is about to get a fantastic £15m makeover. It’s all about making the town centre more inviting and pedestrian-friendly.
The project will widen pavements and improve crossings. Key areas like Market Place and Victoria Square will see some exciting changes.
Ashbourne, known as “The Gateway to Dovedale,” is close to stunning limestone valleys. The first phase of roadworks kicks off on January 27, starting on Dig Street.
Derbyshire Dales District Council will manage the work, with a short diversion planned. They promise to pause for the popular Royal Shrovetide football event on March 4 and 5.
The second phase begins on March 10, closing St John Street to traffic. Ashbourne has around 9,000 residents and is filled with beautiful Tudor and Georgian buildings.
In January 2023, the government approved a bid to transform the town centre. The total cost is £15.2m, with £13.4m from the Levelling Up Fund.
Local fundraising efforts contributed £1.8m, thanks to the community and local businesses. The project, called ‘Ashbourne Reborn,’ is a team effort involving several local organizations.
Ashbourne boasts over 200 listed buildings, including the Old Grammar School and St Oswald’s Parish Church, known for its stunning spire.
The town also hosts a historic Shrovetide football match, a tradition since the 12th century, attended by royals like King Edward VIII and King Charles.
