In September, the Cabinet considered a motion and public petition advocating for a short pedestrian route between the temporary Park Mall car park and the High Street. Supporters argued that a second access point would enhance convenience and accessibility, benefit town-centre businesses, and provide visitors with a more direct route.
The council meeting discussion weighed these potential benefits against safety concerns. The current route, via St George’s Square, was established based on advice from Kent Police’s Designing Out Crime Officer, prioritising a well-lit path with natural surveillance.
While some Cabinet members suggested a second access could be safely designed with appropriate mitigation measures, others emphasised that the potential risks, particularly for individuals travelling alone or those who may be vulnerable, should be given the greatest consideration.
Following a detailed debate, the Cabinet agreed to proceed with the construction and opening of the Park Mall temporary car park using the existing approved access arrangements. Concurrently, a detailed design for a second pedestrian access (Option 2) will be progressed. This design must incorporate police safety advice and consider equality impacts, with the necessary permissions to be sought.
Subject to obtaining the required permissions, the construction of the second pedestrian access is scheduled to be procured as soon as possible after the Park Mall temporary car park opens. The car park is currently on track to open to the public before Christmas 2026.
