Corporate affairs manager for Tesco, James Wiggam, believes the supermarket will bring people back into the town which will help smaller businesses.
Mr Wiggam said: "The challenge is to bring people back to Dartford and make it a vibrant town centre and I believe the Tesco store will do that."
He added: "It will provide an opportunity for other retailers to grab extra customers coming into our store and hopefully enhance their business as a result of coming to Dartford."
The store will be two levels and will sell food and non-food items, such as electrical, clothing, and health and beauty products. It would also be open 24 hours a day.
Mr Wiggam added: "There will be cafes, restaurants, new homes and more open space. Tesco will act as a draw but is part of a much wider project which actually promises to regenerate Dartford.
"We want to create a shopping environment for Dartford which can help other shops in the area. Tesco is only a small part of the development but it is an important part."
Jan Perren, a managing director of business Care Matters UK Ltd, is against the project.
The business was based in Lowfield Street for 14 years but was forced to move to Crayford two and a half years ago because of the plans. The business cares for elderly disabled people who are coming out of hospital.
Since the move, some staff have been lost because they had difficulty getting to the new office and advertising on the office window is no longer an option as it is now above street level.
The 63-year-old said: "I don't think the project is right for Dartford. I don't think local businesses should have been pushed out, it's not a nice situation to be in.
"I do think Dartford needs regenerating but I think they should have invested in all the shops which are already there. I don't think the project was well thought out and I think it will cause a lot of smaller shops to go bust."
The West Hill resident added: "We would like to move back to Dartford but we have had no offers from Dartford Council. We all looked after each other it was like a small community and its all gone."
Lowfield Vision could see a Tesco store, houses, shops, cafes and restaurants in Lowfield Street, Market Square and Market Street.
It also includes 926 new homes and is expected to create more than 600 jobs.
The plans would also see parts of Lowfield Street and Market Street being pedestrianised and 1,000 underground parking spaces being provided.
Instone Road and Highfield Road would be made into a two-way system and some bus stops would be moved.
A swimming pool currently at the Fairfield Pool and Leisure Centre in Lowfield Street would also be relocated.
Over the last 10 months, the plans have been shown to residents during two exhibitions, with the third and final one being shown on August 22 and August 23.
Developer, St James Investments has now also announced it is proposing to include 24 hour surveillance in Central Park and also that the new residential properties will provide an opportunity for first time buyers.
Once these have been received, the council will publicise the application and notify residents.
Subject to planning permission work is expected to start in early 2009.
What do you think? Leave a comment below.
9:33am Thursday 21st August 2008
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CommentPosted by: doris, sunny dartford on 6:02pm Wed 20 Aug 08
more shops and housing what about things todo why cant we have a cinema some people cant afford to go to bluewater, or bowling alley or how about a place where we can go roller skating most roller disco's are in london why not think about activities for families and children, that will still provide jobs too!!
more shops and housing what about things todo why cant we have a cinema some people cant afford to go to bluewater, or bowling alley or how about a place where we can go roller skating most roller disco's are in london why not think about activities for families and children, that will still provide jobs too!!
Posted by: Grady., Dartford on 6:04pm Wed 20 Aug 08
Iam totally against this. Tesco's is too powerful @ is squeezing individuality @ fairness.
I also dislike pedestrianisation. This is an 80's idea @ one that forward planners now ignore. Think of all the best @ most fibrant places to shop they all have traffic running through them. Many council's who pedestrianised expereinced their towns becoming souless places @ consequently put traffic through again.
Say NO to this Tesco town.
Iam totally against this. Tesco's is too powerful @ is squeezing individuality @ fairness.
I also dislike pedestrianisation. This is an 80's idea @ one that forward planners now ignore. Think of all the best @ most fibrant places to shop they all have traffic running through them. Many council's who pedestrianised expereinced their towns becoming souless places @ consequently put traffic through again.
Say NO to this Tesco town.
Posted by: d, dartford on 1:40am Thu 21 Aug 08
I love tesco its not all made of water like asda foods n much more range and quality.
tesco is king dont fight it!
I love tesco its not all made of water like asda foods n much more range and quality.
tesco is king dont fight it!
Posted by: Geoff, Northfleet on 1:54am Thu 21 Aug 08
We need more green spaces! No more buildings.Where is one going to be able to ride and play? a new car park?
Put a park there instead.
We can all then meander around and take in the beauty of nature, not a concrete jungle.
We need more green spaces! No more buildings.Where is one going to be able to ride and play? a new car park?
Put a park there instead.
We can all then meander around and take in the beauty of nature, not a concrete jungle.
Posted by: workin, N'ampshur on 10:10am Thu 21 Aug 08
Geoff, have you been to the centre of Dartford?? There is a park there, and not a nice one, I have had to clean my children after they have been exposed to glass, litter, vomit, fast food debris on play equipment, bottles and cans, as well as being intimidated by thugs shouting abuse and causing trouble. Not taht tesco will change any of this - but a park is not an otion, structured managed leisure facilities to be proud of and atrract peoples interest is whats needed.
Geoff, have you been to the centre of Dartford?? There is a park there, and not a nice one, I have had to clean my children after they have been exposed to glass, litter, vomit, fast food debris on play equipment, bottles and cans, as well as being intimidated by thugs shouting abuse and causing trouble. Not taht tesco will change any of this - but a park is not an otion, structured managed leisure facilities to be proud of and atrract peoples interest is whats needed.
Posted by: Dartford resident, Dartford on 10:36am Thu 21 Aug 08
My main concern is the traffic; there is already so much of it in Dartford, this will only increase the traffic jams. As for more homes...Dartford is swimming in new builds. The earth underneath us will collapse soon.
My main concern is the traffic; there is already so much of it in Dartford, this will only increase the traffic jams. As for more homes...Dartford is swimming in new builds. The earth underneath us will collapse soon.
Posted by: bexleyshopper, bexley on 10:58am Thu 21 Aug 08
the quotes from james wiggam sound exactly the same as those he trotted out for bexleyheath and doubtless for every other town centre which has been ruined by this company. giant tesco stores in orpington high street, bexleyheath, dartford and existing ones in sidcup and welling. it is no joke when peole say tesco wants to take over the world. this plan will be the death of dartford as an old kentish market town just like it will kill orpington and bexleyheath. why do our councillors let this happen? could it be all the money tesco offers by way of "planning gain? such as the £3m it is giving bromley council for orpington high street (maybe to pay for boarding up the shops which will be forced out of business once the store opens?)
the quotes from james wiggam sound exactly the same as those he trotted out for bexleyheath and doubtless for every other town centre which has been ruined by this company. giant tesco stores in orpington high street, bexleyheath, dartford and existing ones in sidcup and welling. it is no joke when peole say tesco wants to take over the world. this plan will be the death of dartford as an old kentish market town just like it will kill orpington and bexleyheath. why do our councillors let this happen? could it be all the money tesco offers by way of "planning gain? such as the £3m it is giving bromley council for orpington high street (maybe to pay for boarding up the shops which will be forced out of business once the store opens?)
Posted by: Aj, Bexleyheath on 11:14am Thu 21 Aug 08
This part of Darford is an eyesore and it needs regeneration.
The boarded up shops on Lowfield Street can't stay that way forever so cleaning up the area is needed.
These plans were first suggested when I was still a resident. Everyone I knew was happy with the idea and pleased we were getting a new supermarket.
This part of Darford is an eyesore and it needs regeneration.
The boarded up shops on Lowfield Street can't stay that way forever so cleaning up the area is needed.
These plans were first suggested when I was still a resident. Everyone I knew was happy with the idea and pleased we were getting a new supermarket.
Posted by: Richard, Blackfen on 12:54pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Everyone who drives or gets the bus never gets off or park, they just keep on going to Bexleyheath or Bluewater, Dartford needs the shops that will bring back happy shoppers, with clever thinking dartford can be revamped into something people want to see, No More Resterants, Cafes, Kebab Shops or Pubs[/bold]
Everyone who drives or gets the bus never gets off or park, they just keep on going to Bexleyheath or Bluewater, Dartford needs the shops that will bring back happy shoppers, with clever thinking dartford can be revamped into something people want to see, No More Resterants, Cafes, Kebab Shops or Pubs
Posted by: Grady., Dartford on 1:29pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Remember it was the current Conservative council in Dartford that allowed the town to become this mess. Now they distance themselves & say something needs to be done. They are Hypocrites.
Re: AJ, why more supermarkets? We already have Sainsbury's, Waitrose & Wilkingson's.
Look at Swanley, that is what Dartford would become. A dominant store with minor shops & a souless pedestrianised area all around it.
Remember it was the current Conservative council in Dartford that allowed the town to become this mess. Now they distance themselves & say something needs to be done. They are Hypocrites.
Re: AJ, why more supermarkets? We already have Sainsbury's, Waitrose & Wilkingson's.
Look at Swanley, that is what Dartford would become. A dominant store with minor shops & a souless pedestrianised area all around it.
Posted by: Aj, Bexleyheath on 1:49pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Grady, Waitrose is expensive and Sainsburys could do with some decent competition. Is Wilkinsons a food supermarket?
I think that any regeneration, whether it includes a Tesco or not, will improve this depressing run down area.
Grady, Waitrose is expensive and Sainsburys could do with some decent competition. Is Wilkinsons a food supermarket?
I think that any regeneration, whether it includes a Tesco or not, will improve this depressing run down area.
Posted by: Sylvia Cowell, Huntingdon Cambs on 2:10pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Ahh Lowfield Street, the place of my childhood! I am for the project, which will bring new homes, shopping facillites and work for many people. I'm assuming Tesco will offer Home Delivery of Groceries as they do here which is a great help to disabled people.
The Drawing of Market Street looks really good, a place where one wuld want to wait and meet up with friends.
PLEASE don't knock down the Library?[bold]bold[/bold]
Ahh Lowfield Street, the place of my childhood! I am for the project, which will bring new homes, shopping facillites and work for many people. I'm assuming Tesco will offer Home Delivery of Groceries as they do here which is a great help to disabled people.
The Drawing of Market Street looks really good, a place where one wuld want to wait and meet up with friends.
PLEASE don't knock down the Library?
Posted by: Jeremy, Dartford on 2:31pm Thu 21 Aug 08
It's interesting that the opposition this time round is either based on a party political prejudice - "Remember it was the current Conservative Council..." or anti-Tesco sentiment - neither of which are very good reasons to not look at the proposals themselves and decide what's good and what could be improved about them.
As a matter of fact, the retailers that most people would judge a good town by had already left by the time the Tories took control - M&S, Woolworths, Dixons. Of course, once you announce that an area like Lowfield Street is going to be knocked down and regenerated, no new retailers will move in till it's done which is why shops are currently closing and not being replaced but what's the alternative? Most of the opinions I seem to be hearing now just want the Council to get on with it and get it right so that decent shops (and there are loads of major new retail units in the plan - not just Tesco) can get back to Dartford again. I'm afraid that the party political opportunists, anti-capitalist and other campaigners throw all kinds of lies into the debate but of course there's no intention at all of demolishing the library, moving the war memorial or not replacing Fairfield Pool before it moves. And as for the demand to put a park there - well, just pop along to the exhibition and see how there are new paddling pools, new formal gardens, a bandstand and new bridges across the Darent to create one of the largest Edwardian Town centre park renovations in the country. If this generation of Dartford leaders doesn't regenerate the town,provide new shops, new public space, new park facilities and put new families into the town centre we can never hope for it to improve. Ignore the politics and the armchair-experts - please go to the exhibition and make your own mind up.
It's interesting that the opposition this time round is either based on a party political prejudice - "Remember it was the current Conservative Council..." or anti-Tesco sentiment - neither of which are very good reasons to not look at the proposals themselves and decide what's good and what could be improved about them.
As a matter of fact, the retailers that most people would judge a good town by had already left by the time the Tories took control - M&S, Woolworths, Dixons. Of course, once you announce that an area like Lowfield Street is going to be knocked down and regenerated, no new retailers will move in till it's done which is why shops are currently closing and not being replaced but what's the alternative? Most of the opinions I seem to be hearing now just want the Council to get on with it and get it right so that decent shops (and there are loads of major new retail units in the plan - not just Tesco) can get back to Dartford again. I'm afraid that the party political opportunists, anti-capitalist and other campaigners throw all kinds of lies into the debate but of course there's no intention at all of demolishing the library, moving the war memorial or not replacing Fairfield Pool before it moves. And as for the demand to put a park there - well, just pop along to the exhibition and see how there are new paddling pools, new formal gardens, a bandstand and new bridges across the Darent to create one of the largest Edwardian Town centre park renovations in the country. If this generation of Dartford leaders doesn't regenerate the town,provide new shops, new public space, new park facilities and put new families into the town centre we can never hope for it to improve. Ignore the politics and the armchair-experts - please go to the exhibition and make your own mind up.
Posted by: jim, dartford on 3:20pm Thu 21 Aug 08
what is Jan Perren on about..? local business being pushed out...? Oh, because we have so many good local shops and business in Dartford..!! Pound shops, pound shops and estate agents and that's it! No well known pubs and hardly any well known shops. That is what we need to attract to the town.
Jim, Dartford.
what is Jan Perren on about..? local business being pushed out...? Oh, because we have so many good local shops and business in Dartford..!! Pound shops, pound shops and estate agents and that's it! No well known pubs and hardly any well known shops. That is what we need to attract to the town.
Jim, Dartford.
Posted by: Grady., Dartford. on 3:56pm Thu 21 Aug 08
RE: Jeremy.
The Tories have been in office in Dartford 1983-1995 & 2003 to present day. Enough influence to contribute the majority of the current mess.
Fact: rents for shops in Dartford highest when tories in the council.
Why was Tesco's allowed to purchase Lowfield street before planning permission?
Why was Asda turned down from the old West Hill hospital site with the reason that another supermartket would be bad for local businesses?
Dont believe the hype, the main focus is getting Tesco's in. The rest is just peripheral to blind people to the truth.
REMEMBER this is going to be one of the biggest Tesco's in the country, slap bang in the middle of a small market town.
Absolutely ridiculous.
RE: Jeremy.
The Tories have been in office in Dartford 1983-1995 & 2003 to present day. Enough influence to contribute the majority of the current mess.
Fact: rents for shops in Dartford highest when tories in the council.
Why was Tesco's allowed to purchase Lowfield street before planning permission?
Why was Asda turned down from the old West Hill hospital site with the reason that another supermartket would be bad for local businesses?
Dont believe the hype, the main focus is getting Tesco's in. The rest is just peripheral to blind people to the truth.
REMEMBER this is going to be one of the biggest Tesco's in the country, slap bang in the middle of a small market town.
Absolutely ridiculous.
Posted by: James, Dartford on 4:05pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Bexleyshopper laments the potential "death of Dartford as an old Kentish market town".
Are you still under the impression that it is 1932? While the vision you evoke may be a romantic and nostalgic one, it simply bears no relevance to life in 2008. Similarly the idea that Dartford should be some green idyll is also the stuff of dreams. Green space equals waste of space these days I'm afraid as the provision of parks etc is, as others have observed, only provides the opportunity for ne'er-do-wells to hang around and litter, terrorise and monopolise the place.
Therefore use of the land in a structured and managed way is the only solution and retail does seem the most obvious and appropriate choice for this.
While Tesco may appear as predatory and aggressively dominant in their acquisition of land, it has to be said that they do what they do well and are probably best placed through experience to expedite the project in a planned and beneficial way.
Bexleyshopper laments the potential "death of Dartford as an old Kentish market town".
Are you still under the impression that it is 1932? While the vision you evoke may be a romantic and nostalgic one, it simply bears no relevance to life in 2008. Similarly the idea that Dartford should be some green idyll is also the stuff of dreams. Green space equals waste of space these days I'm afraid as the provision of parks etc is, as others have observed, only provides the opportunity for ne'er-do-wells to hang around and litter, terrorise and monopolise the place.
Therefore use of the land in a structured and managed way is the only solution and retail does seem the most obvious and appropriate choice for this.
While Tesco may appear as predatory and aggressively dominant in their acquisition of land, it has to be said that they do what they do well and are probably best placed through experience to expedite the project in a planned and beneficial way.
Posted by: steve, dartford on 4:22pm Thu 21 Aug 08
We must move with the times, Tesco is the present and the future.
Stop talking and start doing, these things take too long to get off the ground.
We must move with the times, Tesco is the present and the future.
Stop talking and start doing, these things take too long to get off the ground.
Posted by: Grady., Dartford. on 4:44pm Thu 21 Aug 08
The 10 best places to shop.
1. Deptford
2. Kensington
3. Sutton
4. Streatham
5. Peckham
6. Barnet
7. Twickenham
8. Bromley
9. Putney
10. Beckenham
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/england/londo
n/4289237.stm
What they have in common is: diversity, individuality & vibrancy.
What they dont have is a hugh supermarket slap bang in the middle surrounded by pedestrianisation & clone shops.
All those in favour you have no imagination or soul.
The 10 best places to shop.
1. Deptford
2. Kensington
3. Sutton
4. Streatham
5. Peckham
6. Barnet
7. Twickenham
8. Bromley
9. Putney
10. Beckenham
http://news.bbc.co.u
k/1/hi/england/londo
n/4289237.stm
What they have in common is: diversity, individuality & vibrancy.
What they dont have is a hugh supermarket slap bang in the middle surrounded by pedestrianisation & clone shops.
All those in favour you have no imagination or soul.
Posted by: Jeremy, Dartford on 6:54pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Hi Grady. What on earth do you mean "Why were Tescos allowed to purchase Lowfield Street before planning permission?" There hasn't been a SINGLE compulsory purchase on Lowfield Street to this point - the company behind the regeneration plans have purchased EVERY property on the open market and through private treaty. It's clear that you aren't a great Tory fan, but are you really suggesting some sort of nationalisation of town centre properties to prevent their owners selling them? You have an equally unrealistic view of rent levels in the town centre too. Just how do you think Council's influence them? They are set by the property's landlords who by and large try to extract what the market will accept. It's fine to posture and spin daft political messages but something has to be done and Dartford people deserve good household name shops back. And interestingly, I've checked your list of top 10 places to shop. You know what each of them have in common? a) a Tesco, and b)houshold name retailers to drag shoppers in. I'd love to think of Dartford like the Lanes in Brighton, or Hampstead Village in London with lots of small independent shops but I'm afraid people don't shop like that in 'market' towns any more. It's the big name retailers that create the footfall that good independent traders can tap into. But I'm afraid the argument that lots of poor quality pound shops and limited-range retailers can draw customers in is simply flawed. Dartford shoppers need BIG NAME retailers and I think most people just want us to get on with it and deliver them. j
Hi Grady. What on earth do you mean "Why were Tescos allowed to purchase Lowfield Street before planning permission?" There hasn't been a SINGLE compulsory purchase on Lowfield Street to this point - the company behind the regeneration plans have purchased EVERY property on the open market and through private treaty. It's clear that you aren't a great Tory fan, but are you really suggesting some sort of nationalisation of town centre properties to prevent their owners selling them? You have an equally unrealistic view of rent levels in the town centre too. Just how do you think Council's influence them? They are set by the property's landlords who by and large try to extract what the market will accept. It's fine to posture and spin daft political messages but something has to be done and Dartford people deserve good household name shops back. And interestingly, I've checked your list of top 10 places to shop. You know what each of them have in common? a) a Tesco, and b)houshold name retailers to drag shoppers in. I'd love to think of Dartford like the Lanes in Brighton, or Hampstead Village in London with lots of small independent shops but I'm afraid people don't shop like that in 'market' towns any more. It's the big name retailers that create the footfall that good independent traders can tap into. But I'm afraid the argument that lots of poor quality pound shops and limited-range retailers can draw customers in is simply flawed. Dartford shoppers need BIG NAME retailers and I think most people just want us to get on with it and deliver them. j
Posted by: Grady, Dartford. on 7:25pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Again Tory spin.
Dartford has been under this council's control. THEY produced this situation.
'But I'm afraid the argument that lots of poor quality pound shops and limited-range retailers can draw customers in is simply flawed'. They are your shops under the Tory mismanagement of Dartford.
You then have the front to say Dartford shoppers need better. Such hypocrisy. People can see through this.
The shops in Lowfield street were compulsory purchased under the guise of 'take the offer it's all comimg down anyway'. People felt they had no choice.
None of my top 10 shopping places has a Tesco's slap bang in the middle of the town.
Again Tory spin.
Dartford has been under this council's control. THEY produced this situation.
'But I'm afraid the argument that lots of poor quality pound shops and limited-range retailers can draw customers in is simply flawed'. They are your shops under the Tory mismanagement of Dartford.
You then have the front to say Dartford shoppers need better. Such hypocrisy. People can see through this.
The shops in Lowfield street were compulsory purchased under the guise of 'take the offer it's all comimg down anyway'. People felt they had no choice.
None of my top 10 shopping places has a Tesco's slap bang in the middle of the town.
Posted by: jeremy, Dartford on 8:20pm Thu 21 Aug 08
well, I think we'll have to agree to differ I'm afraid Grady. Look backwards trying to find reasons to politicise things isn't going to get things done, and I note that your comments are long on blame, and short on ideas. I think most people in Dartford want a really useful mix of big-name retail chains and quality local independents and probably wouldn't share your view that the height of our retail ambition ought to be to be as good as Deptford. I think the whole country is well able to judge just what has led to the rise and rise of pound shops, and who's been running things while they have. Still, good luck to you and thanks for the chance to debate things.
well, I think we'll have to agree to differ I'm afraid Grady. Look backwards trying to find reasons to politicise things isn't going to get things done, and I note that your comments are long on blame, and short on ideas. I think most people in Dartford want a really useful mix of big-name retail chains and quality local independents and probably wouldn't share your view that the height of our retail ambition ought to be to be as good as Deptford. I think the whole country is well able to judge just what has led to the rise and rise of pound shops, and who's been running things while they have. Still, good luck to you and thanks for the chance to debate things.
Posted by: pete Beat, Dartford on 9:02pm Thu 21 Aug 08
Dartford needs a place for the less well educated and those on the out side of society. If you stand out side WH Smith you will see them go by. The big ear rings, now with big devil dogs, the children dressed in clothes that look better suited to east LA. Yes you need to move Dartford up market, good bye Elizabeth Duke, say farewell to croydon face lifts, say hi to a good wash and a shave, chuck away your fags and cheap sovereign rings, have your devil dogs put down.
God i hate the people in Dartford
Dartford needs a place for the less well educated and those on the out side of society. If you stand out side WH Smith you will see them go by. The big ear rings, now with big devil dogs, the children dressed in clothes that look better suited to east LA. Yes you need to move Dartford up market, good bye Elizabeth Duke, say farewell to croydon face lifts, say hi to a good wash and a shave, chuck away your fags and cheap sovereign rings, have your devil dogs put down.
God i hate the people in Dartford
Posted by: Mark, Dartford on 9:15am Fri 22 Aug 08
Problem is not the buildings, but, some of the population that live there.Whatever is built, it will not transform the area, into a safe, crime free town.Graffiti will still prevail,then the next 'bright spark' from the council, will come up with another 'plan' to alleviate this, without looking at the root cause.
If, the benefit system was overhauled, then we would all see a diference, in all of our towns.
Problem is not the buildings, but, some of the population that live there.Whatever is built, it will not transform the area, into a safe, crime free town.Graffiti will still prevail,then the next 'bright spark' from the council, will come up with another 'plan' to alleviate this, without looking at the root cause.
If, the benefit system was overhauled, then we would all see a diference, in all of our towns.
Posted by: kate, dartford on 10:34am Fri 22 Aug 08
why do we need another supermarket?? why has it got to be tesco's that regenerates Dartford? why cant the council get off there backsides and come up with something on there own without tesco's?
why do we need another supermarket?? why has it got to be tesco's that regenerates Dartford? why cant the council get off there backsides and come up with something on there own without tesco's?
Posted by: Grady, Dartford on 11:10am Fri 22 Aug 08
Because Kate Tesco's is extemely rich & therefore councils are guaranteed an easy solution. Take the supermarket 80 pieces of silver & sell out your town.
Because Kate Tesco's is extemely rich & therefore councils are guaranteed an easy solution. Take the supermarket 80 pieces of silver & sell out your town.
Posted by: Marc, Dartford on 12:40pm Fri 22 Aug 08
Grady - you appear to acknowledge the problems yet you stop short of offering any solutions. Did you actually go to any of the exhibitions? Who cares that Tesco are involved? At the end of the day they've shown an interest in regenerating the town (no one else has) and as long as a high quality development occurs that secures the future of the town centre, that's all that should matter.
Grady - you appear to acknowledge the problems yet you stop short of offering any solutions. Did you actually go to any of the exhibitions? Who cares that Tesco are involved? At the end of the day they've shown an interest in regenerating the town (no one else has) and as long as a high quality development occurs that secures the future of the town centre, that's all that should matter.
Posted by: Grady, Dartford on 12:50pm Fri 22 Aug 08
RE: Marc.
Yes ive been to all the exhibitions & will be visiting tomorrow.
What struck me most in previous one's was the lack of acknowledgement that at the centre of these plans will be one of the largest Tesco stores in the country. This seems to ignored by some. Instead the emphasis was on the surroundings & houses.
I would rather the traffic was brought back to the high street & all pedestrianisation done away with. The ideal of this never lives up to the reality. The best places to shop are where traffic is part of the experience. It creates a much more vibrant atmosphere.
RE: Marc.
Yes ive been to all the exhibitions & will be visiting tomorrow.
What struck me most in previous one's was the lack of acknowledgement that at the centre of these plans will be one of the largest Tesco stores in the country. This seems to ignored by some. Instead the emphasis was on the surroundings & houses.
I would rather the traffic was brought back to the high street & all pedestrianisation done away with. The ideal of this never lives up to the reality. The best places to shop are where traffic is part of the experience. It creates a much more vibrant atmosphere.
Posted by: Ant, Dartford on 3:34pm Fri 22 Aug 08
Of course Tesco's (or any other supermarket) would bring in people. But what kind of people do want to attract? When you goto nice town centres that haven't had their history and heart ripped out from them over the last 50 years under the guise of 'progression' you realise that you don't [italic]need[/italic] large supermarkets to make a place vibrant or interesting. Goto Tonbridge Wells or even Rochester and you'll realise they didnt make the mistake of destroying everything Dartford is now trying to claw back. Sorry, but this type of development will only create another generic town, no different from Bexleyheath, Crayford or any other town, thus rendering travelling rather pointless. Why would anyone from Bexleyheath come to Dartford when the facilities are almost identical? Almost as important, as someone mentioned, is getting the scum (sorry) off the high street. People are sick of seeing the natives, crawling in from the local esatates; angry dog and 3 kids in tow.
Of course Tesco's (or any other supermarket) would bring in people. But what kind of people do want to attract? When you goto nice town centres that haven't had their history and heart ripped out from them over the last 50 years under the guise of 'progression' you realise that you don't
need large supermarkets to make a place vibrant or interesting. Goto Tonbridge Wells or even Rochester and you'll realise they didnt make the mistake of destroying everything Dartford is now trying to claw back. Sorry, but this type of development will only create another generic town, no different from Bexleyheath, Crayford or any other town, thus rendering travelling rather pointless. Why would anyone from Bexleyheath come to Dartford when the facilities are almost identical? Almost as important, as someone mentioned, is getting the scum (sorry) off the high street. People are sick of seeing the natives, crawling in from the local esatates; angry dog and 3 kids in tow.
Posted by: Liz, kent on 4:28pm Fri 22 Aug 08
I feel sad, Dartford is in desperate need of regeneration in the centre as it is currently not a very nice place to visit - it has pockets of good / interesting activities going on but no cohesion. Where is the talk about regenerating the community - if Tesco are willing to pay for this - good, lets work in partnership together to do some good.
I feel sad, Dartford is in desperate need of regeneration in the centre as it is currently not a very nice place to visit - it has pockets of good / interesting activities going on but no cohesion. Where is the talk about regenerating the community - if Tesco are willing to pay for this - good, lets work in partnership together to do some good.
Posted by: kate, DARTFORD on 9:50pm Fri 22 Aug 08
i totally agree with the regeneration i just dont understand why we need a supermarket to do it, why cant D.B.C spend some of our council tax and give us and our children something back, our children and teens have nothing to do why cant we have a cinema or bowling alley like gravesend and bexleyheath, it bad enough with all the digging up of our roads now let alone tesco's coming in and taking over. come on D.B.C use your nogging
i totally agree with the regeneration i just dont understand why we need a supermarket to do it, why cant D.B.C spend some of our council tax and give us and our children something back, our children and teens have nothing to do why cant we have a cinema or bowling alley like gravesend and bexleyheath, it bad enough with all the digging up of our roads now let alone tesco's coming in and taking over. come on D.B.C use your nogging
Posted by: Mark, Dartford on 11:51am Sat 23 Aug 08
What did children and teens do, 20 0r 30 years ago?There was a lot less available then.We were not then, in an age of youth violence,stabbings and the general anti social behaviour that everyone now has to put up with.
I don't think Tesco's, or a bowling alley will change that.
What did children and teens do, 20 0r 30 years ago?There was a lot less available then.We were not then, in an age of youth violence,stabbings and the general anti social behaviour that everyone now has to put up with.
I don't think Tesco's, or a bowling alley will change that.
Posted by: Dixie, DARTFORD on 6:59pm Sun 24 Aug 08
Regarding The Regeneration of Dartford.
(It will include 926 new homes and is expected to create more than 600 jobs)
I notice that the homes exceed the amount of jobs.
I also note that there is no mention of Medical Facilities for the residents of these 926 new houses, let alone the hundreds of new homes already built.
CAN DARENT VALLEY COPE???????
Tesco's along with all the rest of what's in store for Dartford will go ahead no matter what any Dartford, Crayford or Bexleyheath resident has to say about it.
That will be the day when any Council gives a **** what the local residents really want.
Soon it will all become reality, and the new face of Dartford will, in another ten years become just as derelict as it is now.
I fully agree with the majority of you that what is needed is somewhere for the young to go, other than the streets.
20 or 30 years ago, Dartford had a cinema, Woolworths, M&S and the Co-op.
And years ago it used to have a large department store where Argos is now, call Potts.
There used to be a really nice toy shop by the church.
But nothing lasts forever.
I hope This new Tesco store does FREE HOME DELIVERY, they should be able to, considering the amount of money they must be making with all these stores.
Regarding The Regeneration of Dartford.
(It will include 926 new homes and is expected to create more than 600 jobs)
I notice that the homes exceed the amount of jobs.
I also note that there is no mention of Medical Facilities for the residents of these 926 new houses, let alone the hundreds of new homes already built.
CAN DARENT VALLEY COPE???????
Tesco's along with all the rest of what's in store for Dartford will go ahead no matter what any Dartford, Crayford or Bexleyheath resident has to say about it.
That will be the day when any Council gives a **** what the local residents really want.
Soon it will all become reality, and the new face of Dartford will, in another ten years become just as derelict as it is now.
I fully agree with the majority of you that what is needed is somewhere for the young to go, other than the streets.
20 or 30 years ago, Dartford had a cinema, Woolworths, M&S and the Co-op.
And years ago it used to have a large department store where Argos is now, call Potts.
There used to be a really nice toy shop by the church.
But nothing lasts forever.
I hope This new Tesco store does FREE HOME DELIVERY, they should be able to, considering the amount of money they must be making with all these stores.
Posted by: Grady, Dartford on 7:44pm Sun 24 Aug 08
I went along yesterday. Big P.R exercise.
Neither the model, film's or wall poster's showed any real scale what Lowfield street will look like like with Tesco's in it & the height of it. At least one person was honest & said that it will be the largest Tesco's in the country.
I was shocked about the park. It will be completely open & exposed. Already now we have vandelism, can you imagion with it being so open?
One final thing. iam confused with the traffic layout. will cars still drive past the library & if so where does traffic go from their if part of Lowfield street is pedestrianised?
I went along yesterday. Big P.R exercise.
Neither the model, film's or wall poster's showed any real scale what Lowfield street will look like like with Tesco's in it & the height of it. At least one person was honest & said that it will be the largest Tesco's in the country.
I was shocked about the park. It will be completely open & exposed. Already now we have vandelism, can you imagion with it being so open?
One final thing. iam confused with the traffic layout. will cars still drive past the library & if so where does traffic go from their if part of Lowfield street is pedestrianised?
Posted by: P C Simons, Dartford on 9:32pm Sat 13 Sep 08
St James investments, the property arm of Tesco's, helfully held their final exhibition & consultation exercise in the middle of August, when most people were taking their summer holidays. Thank you Tesco's, another under-hand move. I have now had the chance to view the final proposal, and it is quite frankly breath taking. Breath takingly inept! Firstly, no provision is shown for emergency access to the rear of the properties in Lowfied Street nor to Central Park, with its enlarged facilities. Council planners please take note!. Secondly, the question of where does traffic go from the bottem of East Hill is conviently brushed aside. Is the traffic forced to proceed via Home Gardens, through one of the worst designed traffic light controlled junction arrangements in Kent? Where any more than light traffic flow invariably results in a traffic jam. Or is the traffic to be diverted along Darenth lane. A road which is just able to cope with a intrinsicly unsafe due to the proximity of high stone walls and lack of width. Maybe the traffic will be forced down Overy Stree, beneath the arched railway bridge so that more chaos can be created by goods vehicles moving to the centre of the road to advoid the low arch.
So the plans are still not fit for purpose. This, coupled with the lack of leisure amenities should be all that is required for Dartford Council to return the plans as 'work in progress'.
St James investments, the property arm of Tesco's, helfully held their final exhibition & consultation exercise in the middle of August, when most people were taking their summer holidays. Thank you Tesco's, another under-hand move. I have now had the chance to view the final proposal, and it is quite frankly breath taking. Breath takingly inept! Firstly, no provision is shown for emergency access to the rear of the properties in Lowfied Street nor to Central Park, with its enlarged facilities. Council planners please take note!. Secondly, the question of where does traffic go from the bottem of East Hill is conviently brushed aside. Is the traffic forced to proceed via Home Gardens, through one of the worst designed traffic light controlled junction arrangements in Kent? Where any more than light traffic flow invariably results in a traffic jam. Or is the traffic to be diverted along Darenth lane. A road which is just able to cope with a intrinsicly unsafe due to the proximity of high stone walls and lack of width. Maybe the traffic will be forced down Overy Stree, beneath the arched railway bridge so that more chaos can be created by goods vehicles moving to the centre of the road to advoid the low arch.
So the plans are still not fit for purpose. This, coupled with the lack of leisure amenities should be all that is required for Dartford Council to return the plans as 'work in progress'.
Posted by: sally, dartford on 10:18am Fri 19 Sep 08
I grew up in Swanley and a a child saw Asda move into the town center which was thought to be great for regenerating the town but instead it ripped the heart out of the town. I liked it when I moved to Dartford as even though it's not the greatest town center there were lots of small independent shops even along Lowfield street, The council leader says that they were not compulsory purchase, but they were good as told that there was no other option, I was also wondering why the council leader allowed Tesco to buy a huge picture of himself to hang outside the council offices was this there attempt to massage an already inflated ego? Please do not do this to our town you will ruin it!![quote][quote]quote[/quote] [/quote]
I grew up in Swanley and a a child saw Asda move into the town center which was thought to be great for regenerating the town but instead it ripped the heart out of the town. I liked it when I moved to Dartford as even though it's not the greatest town center there were lots of small independent shops even along Lowfield street, The council leader says that they were not compulsory purchase, but they were good as told that there was no other option, I was also wondering why the council leader allowed Tesco to buy a huge picture of himself to hang outside the council offices was this there attempt to massage an already inflated ego? Please do not do this to our town you will ruin it!!
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