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Arcade to get major revamp
MAIDSTONE is about to un- dergo some serious retail therapy. Work is about to start on amajor
revamp of the historic Royal Star Arcade, breathing new life into the heart of the High Street. The arcade, which stands on the
site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has enjoyed mixed fortunes, despite at- tracting top designer names be- cause of its prestigious location. The arcade, created as a shop-
ping mall in 1989, retains much of the original architectural splen- dour of the 16th century coaching inn and new manager Daniel Le Beau said: “The arcade will be transformed into a beautiful, clas- sically-styled shopping experience unmatched in the area, with the atrium, given its undoubted beauty, its crowning glory. “We plan to focus on a high qual-
ity blend of independent and niche retailers and complementary busi- nesses for those who appreciate the personal touch, those that enjoy a little bit of luxury and those that would like their trip to Maidstone to be more than ‘shop hopping’.” The arcade has two levels, pro-
viding 28 retail units including a cafe, health food shop and other niche outlets. The refurbishment
includes the removal of the band- stand staircase and redevelopment of the central rotunda. Mr Le Beau said: “In its placewe
will have a large covered area that will provide ample dining space, as well as the opportunity for sea- sonal events that are simply not possible anywhere else in Maid- stone at the moment.” The original Star Hotel was a popular overnight stop for those travelling between London and Folkestone. The 19th century saw the hotel get the royal seal of ap- proval, and the ‘Royal’ prefix, after a visit by a young Queen Victoria. It is home to the ‘Disraeli Bal-
cony’, where Benjamin Disraeli made his parliamentary accept- ance speech after being electedMP for Maidstone in 1837. Mr Le Beau said the scheme
would draw on inspiration from the Burlington Arcade in London and the Royal Arcade in Norwich. An announcement is also ex-
pected shortly on plans for land at Maidstone East railway station. The council has been keen to see a supermarket and housing on the site for many years but, despite much speculation, there have so far been no takers.
Parish issues dogwarning
FOUL deeds in Hollingbourne have angered the parish council. Dog fouling is a persistent problem in the village and the cause of numerous complaints from residents, particularly in relation to dog- gie deposits on the Millennium Green. The parish council expects all dog owners to clear up after their
pets and accepts that most responsible residents do. But Cllr John Cobbett said: “Asmall minority of owners are letting
down the reputation of man's/woman's best friend. Please make sure that you clear up after your dog.” There are several waste bins in the village and on land owned by Hollingbourne Meadows Trust but some dog owners fail to pick up their dogwaste which can result in a public health hazard. Parish magazine editor Jean Duffy wrote: “Dog mess is an eyesore
and a health hazard. If you are a dog owner, you have a legal duty to clean up every time your dog messes in a public place. This is not a licence to let your dog defecate on a private drive or in someone's garden, either. This can be a source of great distress to the home owner, and if they are elderly or disabled they may struggle to clear up your mess which is your responsibility.” The parish council in Alresford, Essex is considering introducing
dogDNAtesting to track down those responsible for the dirty deeds. The £120 cost of the test would be recovered from the dog owner. Mrs Duffy said: “I would like to see this extended to all areas.”
Maidstone East February 2016 5
Offers available on ex-display models
Over 50
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