Works are under way at Shrovetide Walk, where an archway feature with statues representing Royal Shrovetide Football players has been installed on the raised area by Henmore Brook. As well as the statues, seating, planting and an accessible walkway will be added to the area off Henmore Bridge.
The changes are part of a wider plan to improve the site, based on a scheme initiated by local volunteer-led group AshCom. It will see Shrovetide Walk developed into a welcoming space with an enhanced garden area, seating and commemorative artworks which celebrate the unique contribution to the Ashbourne community of the annual Royal Shrovetide Football. The significant improvements including the addition of a stone dial, walkway, and garden area with planting will make the area a welcoming place for visitors to enjoy as they make their way around the town centre.
Ashburnians across different generations have been involved in the scheme, with primary and secondary school children contributing hand prints to the stone dial, which will be installed later in the autumn. The improvements to Shrovetide Walk are due to complete in early November, when a new tree will be planted within the wider site to replace a Rowan that had to be removed due to poor health. Following contact with the local Scouts and Guides groups, it is hoped to bring together those groups involved in planting the original tree 40 years on in a commemorative tree planting event. Trees will also be planted in Victoria Square the Market Place, bringing much needed greenery to Ashbourne town centre.
Shrovetide Walk, which links Shawcroft car park and Dig Street, is home to Ashbourne’s regular Thursday market. The changes are complemented by a new pavement that has been installed on the east side of Henmore Bridge. It will particularly benefit visitors with young families and those with disabilities, who can now safely use both sides of the bridge to move between Dig Street and Shrovetide Walk without needing to cross the road or divert around Henmore Brook.
The transformation of Shrovetide Walk is part of the Highways and Public Realm project led by the County Council. The original scheme was initiated and developed by AshCom, a not-for-profit volunteer-led organisation who have contributed vital match funding through local fundraising and sponsorship.
Ashbourne Reborn is a £15.9m programme aimed at transforming Ashbourne town centre through significant improvements to highways and public realm and the development of the Link Community Hub. It is funded by UK Central Government via the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
The District Council is the Accountable Body for Ashbourne Reborn, Derbyshire County Council is responsible for delivering the Highways and Public Realm project and Ashbourne Methodist Church the Link Community Hub. These partners work in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom who brought forward proposals, identified opportunities and raised match funding for the original bid.
To receive email updates, sign up for the newsletter at the District Council website www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/enewsreg (tick the box for Ashbourne Reborn), or visit the Ashbourne Reborn website www.ashbournereborn.co.uk for the latest news, FAQs and detailed information about the project.
