Future Growth Plans

For a 21st Century Town

In 2006 Maidstone voted to become a New Growth Point and secured substantial government funds to support a long term programme of investment and growth. This was achieved on the back of an established track record of attracting private investment (£400 million in Maidstone Town alone over the past decade) through proactive public-private co-operation.

The Maidstone Economic Development Strategy (EDS) sets out a vision for Maidstone in 2028 which builds upon current strengths and has a focus on developing priority sectors, innovation and creating new employment opportunities.

The Economic Development Strategy identifies the following priority sectors:

• Business and professional services
• Retail and leisure
• Creative and media
• Sustainable construction
• The rural economy
• Public sector/Health and Education
• Medical Services

The implementation of the Economic Development Strategy is closely linked with the preparation of the Local Development Framework (LDF), a statutory plan setting out policies that will shape Maidstone’s future development and growth.

Key aims:

• 10,000 new jobs & 11,000 new homes and supporting infrastructure by 2026.
• Encourage a more diverse, knowledge-intensive business base.
• Stimulate provision of an appropriate range, mix and quality of employment land and premises
• Regenerate Maidstone town centre.

The development of town centre policies will be informed by the Maidstone Town Centre Study, a visioning exercise carried out by consultants Urban Practitioners in February 2010.

Maidstone Town Centre Study, Feb 2010, Part I

Maidstone Town Centre Study, Feb 2010, Part II

A key milestone will be the formal adoption of a Core Strategy by Maidstone Borough Council, scheduled for the end of 2011.

Riverside Plaza, Award Winning Design