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Arcade to get major revamp
MAIDSTONE is about to undergo some serious retail therapy. Workis to startona major revamp
of the Royal Star Arcade, which it is hoped will breathe new life into the High Street. The arcade, which stands on the
site of the old Royal Star Hotel, has had mixed fortunes, despite attract- ing top designernamesbecause of its prestigious location. Created as a shopping mall in
1989, it retains much of the architec- tural splendour of the 16th-century coaching inn. Manager Daniel Le Beau said: “The arcade will be trans- formed into a beautiful, classically- styled shopping experience unmatched in the area, with the atrium, given its undoubted beauty, its crowning glory.We plan to focus on a high quality blend of independ- ent and niche retailers and comple- mentary businesses for those who enjoy a little bit of luxury.” The arcade has two levels, provid-
ing 28 retail units including a cafe, health food shop and other niche outlets. The refurbishment includes the removal of the bandstand stair-
case and redevelopment of the cen- tral rotunda. Mr Le Beau said: “In its place we
will have a large covered area that will provide ample dining space, as well as the opportunity for seasonal events that are simply not possible anywhere else in Maidstone at the moment.” The original Star Hotelwas a pop-
ular overnight stop for those travel- ling between London and
Folkestone.The19th centurysawthe hotel get the royal seal of approval, and the ‘royal’ prefix, after a visit by a young QueenVictoria. It is home to the Disraeli Balcony,
where Benjamin Disraeli made his parliamentary acceptance speech after being electedMPfor 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 expected
soon on plans for land at Maidstone East railway station. Maidstone Council has long been keen to see a supermarket and housing on the site but there have so far been no takers.
Property scamwarning
HOMEOWNERS in Maidstone are being warned of a scam re- garding fake property repairs. Kent Police were alerted by a resident in Nottingham Avenue, Shepway,whowas visited by two men claiming to be from a com- pany calledHomeImprovements. They claimed there had been a
leak in the neighbouring house and theywere using a machine to clear the damp. They asked to see awall in the bedroom of the house and said they could bring the ma- chine that evening, for a £700 de- posit. The men were not wearing any
uniform and carried no ID, but were driving a white van. Fortunately, the homeowner
did not part with any money and contacted the police. A spokesman said: “This was a
scam. Please be vigilant and do not let anyone into yourhomeyou do not know, or have not made an appointment with. Report any suspicious activity to Kent Police.” If you have any concerns about callers, use a spyhole and key- chain, ask them to call back later and always ask to see their ID, calling the company they claim to be with if you are at all unsure.
Work to cut speed limit in Tovil TALKS are ongoing to reduce the speed of traffic in parts of Tovil. County councillor Brian Clark is using his devolved budget to fund
a scheme to cut the speed limit from 40mph to 30mph in Dean Street. Cllr Clark and borough councillor Derek Mortimer are also trying to
secure funding for signs to the new YMCA building in Courtenay Road, which will house Tovil Parish Council’s new office.
MEET
Maidstone and the Weald, holds regular surgeries around the constituency. If you would like to arrange an appointment to discuss an issue of concern to you, please e-mail Helen at
helen.grant.mp@
parliament.uk or telephone 020 7219 7107.
helengrant.org
Produced by Helen Grant MP, House of Commons, London SW1A 0AA
Maidstone Town March 2016 5
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