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Real estate developers who are heading a £75 million regeneration plan in the town have encouraged residents to share their views on it.
Muse Developments in partnership with Dartford Borough Council and Homes England, are launching a consultation process for the public to comment on the development of Dartford’s Westage area.
In March 2018 plans were announced to build a six to eight screen cinema at the heart of a new quarter with bars and restaurants along with a new public square, hotel, multi-storey car park and around 140 new homes.
Discussions are also underway with the local Clinical Commissioning Group on the potential creation of a new health care facility among the development.
The consultation process will be looking at What people think about the look of the proposed buildings and public spaces, what shops and restaurants people would like to see,
whether the scheme should include a new health centre, providing a range of health services, how the regeneration can link in with other parts of the town, including the theatre, to create a new cultural quarter for Dartford, how links can be provided through the site to improve pedestrian connections across Dartford town centre and what the new development should be called.
James Stockdale, senior development manager at Muse, said: “We are looking forward to hearing from local people.
“This is a fantastic scheme that will bring so many benefits to the town and we want to understand how we can deliver resident’s aspirations and what is important to them.
“I hope to meet many people over the coming weeks.”
Cllr Jeremy Kite, leader of Dartford Council, said: “The Westgate area is important to Dartford and this project will help the area utilise its potential.
“Muse has an amazing track record of creating spaces that are not only commercially successful but also hugely popular with people.
“The Council has been working closely with Muse over the last few months in bringing these plans together.
“I would urge local residents to get involved in this consultation.
“A planning application is anticipated towards the end of the year, so there is plenty of time to influence these plans.”
To comment on the plans visit westgatedartford.com, or attend stalls held by the Muse team at the Dartford Festival, Central Park, Dartford, from 12pm to 3pm on Saturday, July 14, or from 12pm to 3pm on Sunday, July 15.
The Muse team will also be talking to people at Dartford’s Priory Shopping Centre on Tuesday, July 17, from 4pm to 8pm.