Maidstone council could potentially spend £4m upgrading streets in the town centre, after taking a decision to expand phase 3 of its public realm project.

The council had already planned to improve Gabriels Hill and the north part of Week Street, between Fremlin Walk and Maidstone East Station, at a cost of £3.1m.

But members of the policy and resources committee decided on Wednesday to add in the south section of Week Street at an additional cost of £900,000, although they hope to gain some of that money from outside sources.

Chief executive Alison Broom said she had approached KCC to see whether it would contribute and been encouraged by the response, although nothing had been promised.

There was also the possibility that a bid could be made for the next round of Local Enterprise Partnership funding and that money could come from developers via Section 106 payments.

Cllr Matt Boughton (Con) was concerned at the uncertainty around the funding and how much of the bill the borough would end up footing itself.

Cllr Annabelle Blackmore (Con) suggested town centre businesses might like to contribute by forming a Business Improvement District and raising funds through the rates, but councillors heard that an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund for support had already been rejected.

As well as new paving, benches and trees, the scheme will see the way to Maidstone Museum indicated by Iguanodon footprints on the pavement, and a timeline in the centre of the road will record significant dates in the town’s history.

Cllr Tony Harwood (Lib Dem) warned against having “bleak, new town chic” and said the makeover should reflect both the town’s history and culture and “not just dates of battles.”

He pressed for - and won - the right for ward councillors from High Street, North and East wards to be consulted on the details of the design at an early stage.

The council will now seek tenders for the scheme.

Both Cllrs Annabelle Blackmore and Matt Boughton asked that their dissent from the decision be noted.

Two earlier phases of the public realm project saw improvements to Jubilee Square, Remembrance Square and the High Street.