It has been a long time coming, but things are looking up for Lowfield Street.

A week after Meyer Homes announced its intention to unveil plans for a new housing development on the site this summer, some of Dartford’s most talented artists have teamed up to give it a fresh new look.

The road has been lined with hoardings for years as former site owners Tesco stalled on plans for a huge superstore, with some local businesses forced to close as a result.

Now the 75m stretch will be spruced up by murals designed by artists, schools, colleges and residents thanks to a project spearheaded by the Dartford Arts Network.

Chairwoman Kate Withstandley said: “There was a really positive response from local artists and from the public but we also had to persuade landowners that we planned something positive on the site.

“It has taken a while because we put a huge amount of time into summer workshops and then into creating an overall design.

“When Meyer Homes acquired the site at the turn of the year things started to move more quickly and I am grateful to them.”

Some of the artists involved include Julie Holmes, Stephen Oliver and street artist Cize One, with much of the work inspired by the iconic work of Beatles album designer Peter Blake.

Among the work to be put on display are paintings, collages, typography, graphic pieces, quotes about Dartford and references to famous Dartfordians. One of the collages will celebrate Dartford Football Club.

Ms Withstandley added: “We wanted to do more public art for Dartford and worked with the council to make it happen and they have given us some funding.

“There are 20 artists involved in total, all of whom are from the area.”

Having experienced years of frustration over Lowfield Street, council leader Jeremy Kite (Con) was delighted to see it receive some care and attention.

“There is now light at the end of the tunnel with a new owner who seems to be moving at a faster pace to deliver something and are more keen to engage with local people,” he said

“Hoardings around a development site are a fact of life and whilst some might say we might drawing attention to an unattractive site close to our great park, I actually think people will appreciate the huge amount of artistic talent we have.

“Dartford Arts Network have steered this project brilliantly and it is a real demonstration of the talent we have in the town.”

“Dartford Arts Network have steered this project brilliantly and it is a real demonstration of the talent we have in the town.” Dartford council leader Jeremy Kite.

All of the artwork is expected to be installed by the end of this week and will be on display until development on the site gets under way.

A spokesman for Meyer Homes said considerable progress had been made since the turn of the year and dates for a public consultation would be announced shortly.

Company director Jamie Pearson said: “We look forward to displaying our ambitions for the Lowfield Street site to the community of Dartford.

“The public consultation event will allow local people to see our vision for the site, and the steps we are taking to regenerate this part of Dartford.”