To make it easier to find the information you are looking for, we have grouped frequently asked questions into subject areas. If you can’t find the information you are looking for on this page, you can navigate back to the main Frequently Asked Questions page.
Plans for the Market Place
What are you planning to do with the Market Place once the work is done?
The improvements in the Market Place will enable a wide variety of events in the future. The exact programme has not been decided yet and will be up to local partners including the Town Team and Ashbourne Town Council.
We are aware that while the physical changes funded by UK Government will make a big difference to the town’s environment, the vibrancy the town needs will also depend on how those spaces are used in the future. We are working with local partners to develop options for a programme of activities, events and uses for these spaces once the work is complete. There are already strong building blocks with Ashbourne's programme of regular events like Streetfest and the Lantern Parade, so we are well placed to develop an exciting programme of existing and new events. This is not just about the improved spaces in the town centre and the new facilities at the community hub; it will also include other key assets around the town such as the new Sports Pavillion, enabled by the District Council. Investing to improve our assets and spaces is an important first step and we look forward to local partners coming forward with ideas and creativity as to how we maximise the opportunities created through that investment.
Are we keeping the original cobbles and limestone setts?
The Grade II listed surfaces in the Market Place and Victoria Square date back to the 18th or early 19th century. They are being repaired and upgraded, and areas of asphalt have been replaced with limestone setts to match existing materials and local character, improving the space for Ashbourne’s vibrant programme of local events. Other materials that aren't listed, like the cobbles in Millennium Square will be reused wherever possible.
The flagstones in front of the Town Hall have been replaced with locally sourced Derbyshire blue/grey sandstone. This is to create a safe and uniform surface for pedestrians. Although they have been removed from outside the town hall, the reuseable flagstones were used elsewhere on the scheme, for example to replace significantly broken flagstones in other historic areas where refurbishment rather than replacement was possible to improve the area and remove trip hazards.
Why do the cobbles outside the chip shop look different to others in the Market Place?
The Grade II listed surfaces in the Market Place are being repaired and improved, and areas of asphalt have been replaced with limestone setts to match existing materials and local character. It was not possible to source the required quantity of matching cobbles with a pre-aged appearance, so some new limestone setts/cobbles had to be used. We have used locally sourced limestone from as close as possible to the same quarries as the original cobbles. However, they are currently contrasting in appearance with a brighter colour and sharper edges because they are new and have not had centuries of wear. Rather than mix new setts in amongst older setts which could look unsightly, the new ones have been used outside the chip shop to create a visually consistent area, and they will age in over time.
Any historic materials that have been removed during the works are being reused elsewhere wherever possible. This includes cobbles from outside the chip shop, some of which have been used, for example, to reinstate the feature walkway that runs across the Market Place from the traffic lights to Victoria Square. All work on Ashbourne’s historic surfaces and listed features has been carried out in line with planning conditions and with the agreement and oversight of the Conservation Officer.
Will I still be able to make deliveries to the Market Place?
New bollards are being introduced to help make the Market Place a safer space, particularly for events. The measures were proposed after Derbyshire Police identified a need to protect pedestrians from vehicles, particularly during public events and gatherings. The changes will see new access arrangements at the entrance to the Market Place, designed to slow vehicle movements and increase pedestrian priority following the removal of car parking. During events, the Market Place will be closed to vehicles, however, access for deliveries to businesses will be maintained at other times. The ‘glide’ bollard system has been designed and supplied by a local Ashbourne firm.
Will we still be able to stop to collect takeaways and other short visits to the Market Place?
The Ashbourne Reborn proposals, developed with local Ashbourne partners, will reduce the number of spaces to 7 (including 2 disabled bays) around the southern and western edges of the Market Place. 30 minutes free parking will be available in these bays. The 30 minutes free quick-stay - which cannot be added to a longer period in the same car park - will also apply to car parks at Shawcroft, the Bus Station and Clifton Road.
Will there still be disabled parking spaces to access the Market Place?
The disabled parking bays on the Market Place will be in the same location they were before but will be formally re-instated, improving on the informal provision previously available. There will also be a number of quick stay bays around the southern and western edges of the Market Place which can be used to park for free for up to 30 minutes (Blue Badge holders are allowed extra time). The Highways and Public Realm Project Board discussed parking provision on the Market Place at three separate meetings, taking account of the range of views received from the public and businesses, and alongside the creation of additional on-street disabled bays at other town centre locations, finalised proposals on this basis.
How are businesses going to cope with losing the parking in the Market Place?
The Market Place has historically been a focal point for activities, trade and people, not vehicles, and we want to restore this sense of vibrancy to the heart of the town. We are clear that there are sufficient parking spaces within Ashbourne town centre without the Market Place, and local businesses are supportive of the change. Signage to alternative car parks will be improved. The District Council are responsible for parking policy, including the cost of parking, length of stay and ensuring consistency across the district. You can read more, including the outcome of the District Council parking review, in our FAQs about Parking in Ashbourne.
What changes are planned for parking in the Market Place?
To restore a sense of vibrancy to the heart of the town, parking will be removed from the Market Place. The design approved by the District Council’s Planning Committee includes a small number of short stay parking bays on the southeast corner, including a disabled bay, and along the eastern edge of the Market Place, with additional on-street parking proposed close-by: Ashbourne Market Place approved layout November 2023.
Will motorbikes be able to park on the Market Place?
A new area for motorcycle parking will be provided on the south edge of the Market Place. This was included in response to feedback from local partners in the Town Team and Ashbourne Town Council.
Will the new trees damage the surrounding surfaces?
All of the tree pits will have root protection systems in order to allow the trees to thrive without damaging the surrounding cobbles. This is in line with best practise to avoid issues with urban tree roots disturbing footpaths and other surfaces.
Will the monument be cleaned?
Dust and dirt caused by the building works will be removed. Any specialist cleaning of the monument would involve working with the conservation officer since it's a historic monument, to make sure that the right methods are used and avoid any damage. That isn't planned as part of the scope of Ashbourne Reborn.
