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LOCKMEADOW Unlocking the potential
Contents 3 Overview 4 to 6 River Park Central 7 to 12 Riverside destination 13 to 27 Vision for the future 28 to 34 Case studies 2
Overview Maidstone Borough Council is seeking ways to enhance the Lockmeadow complex, strengthen the community offer and create a destination that is vibrant, attractive and well-used throughout the year. In Maidstone River Park, that destination already exists. Yet, more than 25 years after its creation, its full potential remains unrealised. Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, Coronation Square and Maidstone Market Hall should not be viewed in isolation. They are integral components of a single riverside destination which, if planned, promoted and managed as a cohesive whole, has the potential to become one of Maidstone's most significant leisure, cultural, community and economic assets. Alongside the Lockmeadow proposals, Maidstone Borough Council has submitted a planning application to transform the Archbishop's Palace from office accommodation into a wedding and events venue. Together, these projects signal a renewed focus on the riverside. Combined with the imminent opening of Len House on Mill Street, they present a unique opportunity to re- anchor the town centre, strengthen connections between key destinations, and create a vibrant riverside quarter that serves residents, businesses and visitors throughout the year. In developing a long-term vision for this stretch of Maidstone River Park, the study area should extend from Fairmeadow to Lockmeadow, incorporating Coronation Square and the Market Hall. This wider perspective would recognise Maidstone Bridge, the Archbishop's Palace Gardens and the historic Horseway as key gateways between the town centre and the riverside. Planning the area as a connected and distinctive destination, rather than a series of individual sites, is essential if its full social, cultural and economic value is to be realised. 3
River Park Central Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Maidstone River Park was a flagship project championed by Maidstone Borough Council to mark the new millennium. It was the largest Millennium project in Kent and one of the most ambitious public realm projects of its time in the south-east outside London. As the River Park marks its 25th anniversary, there is an opportunity to renew its original vision and re-establish it as the thread that connects Maidstone's cultural, historic and leisure attractions. Stretching from Fairmeadow to Lockmeadow, River Park Central has the potential to become the defining feature of the town centre and a key driver of footfall, investment and civic pride. Opportunity Develop a distinctive riverside destination that strengthens connections between the town centre and Lockmeadow, encourages longer visits, and supports businesses, attractions and events throughout the year. 4
River Park Central Fairmeadow to Lockmeadow: creating a riverside destination Image: Google Earth Entrances to River Park Central Potential riverside café/restaurant Archbishops’ Palace: planning application submitted for events/wedding venue Jubilee Walk: opportunity to refurbish key walking route from Maidstone Bridge to Lockmeadow All Saints Church: potential exhibition and event space Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre: music and theatrical event space Coronation Square: multi-use activity/events space Lockmeadow Entertainment: bowling, cinema, food hall, market, trampoline park Maidstone Market Hall: multi-use events, exhibition and retail space Kentish Lady: major visitor attraction 5
River Park Central Attractions • Coronation Square • Kentish Lady River Cruises • Lockmeadow Entertainment Complex • Magical Beasts trail • Maidstone Market Hall • River Park Nature Trail • Self-drive boat hire Culture and history • All Saints Church • Archbishops’ Palace • College of All Saints • Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre • Lockmeadow Millennium Bridge • Maidstone Bridge • Masters House • Old Bridge, Mill Street • Palace Gardens • Palace Gardens Gatehouse • The Stag Statue Entertainment and leisure • Gravity Active • Gravity Street Golf • Hollywood Arcade • Hollywood Bowl • Lockmeadow Health Club • Lockmeadow Outdoor Gym • Lockmeadow Play Area • Odeon Luxe Cinema Retail and hospitality • Aroi Dee • Asian Bites • Cycles UK • Flour Power • Gilly’s Kiosk (seasonal) • Hollywood Diner • Maidstone Market • Notorious BRG • Sewaro • Thai Orchid Maidstone • We Are Chicken • Wrap & Dip Developing a riverside destination Connecting Maidstone's cultural, historic and leisure attractions along the River Medway. 6
Riverside destination Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key considerations for River Park Central Wayfinding and identity A stronger River Park identity should be developed through consistent branding and high- quality wayfinding signage along the riverside corridor. Signage should highlight key attractions including All Saints Church, the Archbishop's Palace, the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre, Coronation Square, Maidstone Market Hall and Lockmeadow. A coherent wayfinding strategy would improve navigation, encourage exploration and reinforce the River Park as a destination in its own right. Between the bridges The stretch of riverside between Maidstone Bridge and St Peter's Bridge represents a significant opportunity to create activity and animation within the River Park. The reintroduction of a food and beverage concession should be explored. The former Old Boat Café successfully capitalised on its riverside setting, increased footfall and provided natural surveillance that helped discourage anti-social behaviour. There is also scope for a small family-focused play space celebrating Maidstone's industrial heritage through a Bassett's Liquorice Allsorts theme, recognising the historic riverside factory that once occupied the riverside. 7
Between the bridges: convert redundant toilet block into a riverside cafe 8
Riverside destination Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key considerations for River Park Central Light the way Recent investment in riverside lighting has significantly improved the experience and safety of pedestrians and cyclists between Fairmeadow and Lockmeadow. Further enhancements could include restoring the Light Elements installations on Maidstone Bridge and St Peter's Bridge, reinstating the LED lighting on the Maidstone Marker, and repairing the historic lamp standards on Maidstone Bridge. Additional decorative lighting, including festoon lighting along Jubilee Walk and around the Archbishop's Palace Gardens, could help create a welcoming evening environment and extend activity beyond daylight hours. Jubilee Walk As Jubilee Walk approaches its 50th anniversary in 2027, there is an opportunity to improve an important pedestrian route. Although upgraded lighting has made a difference, a number of environmental issues continue to detract from the experience. Sections of paving require replacement, seating requires refurbishment and trees should be crown-lifted to improve visibility and perceptions of safety. The lower towpath requires ongoing maintenance, while the large flowerbed presents an opportunity for redesign. Consideration should be given to introducing tiered timber seating integrated within a programme of seasonal planting, creating a more attractive and usable public space throughout the year. 9
Jubilee Walk: refurbish this key corridor between Maidstone Bridge and Lockmeadow 11
Riverside destination Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key considerations for River Park Central Landscaping and maintenance The quality of the landscape is critical to creating an attractive and successful riverside destination. A comprehensive year-round maintenance and planting programme should be established across the River Park. Particular attention should be given to the area surrounding Lockmeadow Millennium Bridge, which currently gives the impression of a neglected gateway despite its strategic importance. Small interventions, such as addressing overgrown vegetation, restoring sightlines and maintaining infrastructure, would make a significant difference to the perception of the area and reinforce confidence in the wider regeneration programme. Public art and heritage The River Park already contains several notable pieces of public art, including Magical Beasts, Morning Thoughts and The Stag. Other installations, including Light Elements and the Maidstone Marker, have fallen into disrepair and should be restored as part of a broader public art strategy. There are also opportunities for new commissions that celebrate Maidstone's rich history and relationship with the river. One potential project would be a public artwork at the end of College Horseway commemorating the historic ferry that once linked the College of All Saints with Lockmeadow, helping to tell the story of the town while creating a distinctive point of interest along the riverside. 10
Riverside terrace: create a new picnic spot overlooking the historic Archbishops Palace 12
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Introduction Next year marks the 30th anniversary of Lockmeadow Entertainment Centre, one of Maidstone's most significant and successful regeneration projects. At a time when cinema-led leisure developments were increasingly being directed to out- of-town locations, Lockmeadow represented a bold and ambitious alternative. Located within walking distance of the town centre, it reinforced Maidstone's position as a regional destination while supporting the vitality and economic success of the urban core. The opening of Lockmeadow Millennium Bridge in October 1999 was a defining moment, physically and symbolically connecting the historic heart of Maidstone with a modern leisure destination and strengthening the town's relationship with the River Medway. Over the past three decades, the Odeon Cinema has remained the centre's anchor attraction, providing continuity while the wider offer has evolved to meet changing consumer expectations. What began largely as an evening economy destination has developed into a broader leisure hub, attracting families and visitors through bowling, crazy golf, arcade entertainment, trampolining and an increasingly diverse food and beverage offer. Recent investments have continued to reinforce this leisure-led identity. The arrival of cycle retail complements the centre's recreational appeal and supports active travel ambitions. However, future investment and leasing decisions should be guided by a clear long-term vision, ensuring every tenant, attraction and public space contributes towards creating a vibrant, distinctive and memorable riverside destination. 13
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow The opportunity ahead As Lockmeadow approaches its 30th anniversary, the current consultation presents a rare opportunity to establish a bold and coherent vision for its future. The priority should be to strengthen the destination's identity, celebrate its riverside setting and position it as a place that complements rather than competes with Maidstone town centre. Success should not be measured simply by occupancy levels or the number of tenants. It should be measured by the ability of the destination to attract visitors, increase dwell time, support local businesses and create experiences that people actively choose to return to. The River Medway remains one of Maidstone's defining assets. Yet despite its prominence, it does not currently sit at the heart of the destination's identity. By embracing its waterfront location and coordinating investment across Lockmeadow, Coronation Square, Maidstone Market and Maidstone Market Hall, there is an opportunity to create a truly distinctive riverside quarter that serves residents, businesses and visitors alike. 14
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Rebrand the centre as Riverside While the name Lockmeadow is well established locally, it does little to communicate one of the destination's greatest strengths: its location on the banks of the River Medway. Rebranding the destination as Riverside would immediately establish a stronger sense of place, placing the river at the heart of the destination's identity and creating a name that is both intuitive and aspirational. It would strengthen links with the wider Maidstone River Park vision while helping visitors better understand the area's unique character. The River Medway is one of Maidstone's defining natural assets. By making it central to the destination's branding, Riverside would establish a stronger and more distinctive identity, differentiating itself from competing leisure destinations and creating a stronger platform for future investment, marketing and placemaking. 15
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Develop a distinctive destination brand A rebrand should be supported by a bold and contemporary visual identity that reflects the destination's leisure-focused offer and appeals to families, young people, visitors and residents. Consistent branding across signage, wayfinding, websites, social media channels, printed materials and public spaces would create a recognisable and cohesive destination while signalling confidence, investment and ambition. However, successful branding extends beyond logos, colours and marketing materials. It should influence every aspect of the visitor experience, from first impressions and wayfinding to events, public spaces and customer engagement. Visitors should feel they are arriving somewhere distinctive, vibrant and memorable. The long-term objective should be to establish Riverside as a place people choose to spend their leisure time, rather than simply visit individual attractions. A strong brand would also provide a clear framework for future events, destination marketing, tenant recruitment and investment decisions. 16
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations A new identity and vision for the Food Hall The introduction of Love Food @ Lockmeadow in 2021 represented an important step forward in diversifying the destination's food and beverage offer. The concept has successfully attracted independent operators, helping to broaden the visitor experience and create a stronger daytime economy. However, there is now an opportunity to transform the food hall into a destination in its own right and make it a central feature of the wider riverside experience. At present, the environment lacks a distinctive identity and does not fully reflect either the quality of its operators or the unique character of its riverside setting. A comprehensive refurbishment, drawing inspiration from successful venues such as Kargo MKT at Salford Quays and Market Halls Cargo at Canary Wharf, could transform the space into a vibrant, welcoming and memorable destination. One proposal put forward by tenants is the creation of "The Timber Yard", a concept inspired by Maidstone's riverside industrial heritage. This would provide a compelling narrative, support a refreshed interior design and create a destination rooted in local history and authenticity. Continued >>> 17
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations A new identity and vision for the Food Hall The long-vacant former VR World unit presents a further opportunity. It could be subdivided to accommodate additional independent food operators or repurposed as a small sports bar, strengthening the leisure offer and encouraging visitors to stay longer. To increase daytime footfall and dwell time, the food hall could also be promoted as a flexible workspace. With the addition of dedicated seating areas, charging points and fast, free Wi-Fi, it could appeal to remote workers, freelancers and mobile professionals. Combined with food and drink options, riverside walks and access to membership at the health club, the destination already possesses many of the ingredients required to support this market. At the very least, the food hall should be renamed, rebranded and promoted more effectively. A dedicated website and active social media presence, supported through Lockmeadow/Riverside, Maidstone River Park, One Maidstone and Visit Maidstone channels, would significantly improve visibility and help establish the venue as a destination in its own right. 18
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Coronation Square Originally known as Maidstone Town Square when Lockmeadow opened in 1997, the space was renamed Coronation Square in 2023. Despite its prominent location beside the River Medway, Coronation Square remains one of Maidstone's most overlooked opportunities. The Council's aspirations for enhanced landscaping, improved biodiversity, better seating, flexible event space and opportunities for markets, cafés and local businesses are strongly supported. Drawing inspiration from successful waterfront destinations such as Folkestone Harbour Arm and Salford Quays, there is an opportunity to transform Coronation Square into a distinctive riverside plaza that acts as both a destination in its own right and a focal point for activity across Maidstone River Park. A revitalised square would strengthen the connection between Lockmeadow and the town centre while supporting greater use of the Hermitage Millennium Amphitheatre on the opposite bank. Together, these spaces could deliver a coordinated programme of activity that animates the riverside throughout the year. 19
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Coronation Square: events and activities Coronation Square should be designed with flexibility at its core, allowing it to accommodate a diverse programme of events and attract a broad range of audiences. Alongside Maidstone River Festival, other potential uses could include: • Live screenings of major sporting events such as the FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships and Wimbledon. • Food and drink festivals celebrating local and regional producers. • Cultural festivals and community celebrations. • Live music, theatre and dance performances. • Classic and vintage vehicle displays. • Cycling demonstrations and active travel events. • Seasonal attractions, including festive markets and temporary ice rinks. • Family entertainment and children's activities. A consistent programme of events would help establish Coronation Square as a recognised destination, support surrounding businesses and ensure the riverside remains lively throughout the year rather than becoming active only during occasional events. Continued >>> 20
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Coronation Square: events and activities Importantly, Coronation Square should not be considered in isolation. Its role must be carefully coordinated with adjacent facilities including the children's play area, outdoor gym equipment, table tennis facilities and wider public spaces. Without a coordinated masterplan there is a risk that the riverside develops as a collection of disconnected features rather than a cohesive destination. The objective should be to create a seamless visitor experience where leisure, recreation, events, landscaping and public spaces work together to create a sense of place. Coronation Square represents one of the single greatest placemaking opportunities within Maidstone River Park. With the right vision and investment, it has the potential to become the civic and cultural heart of the riverside, helping to connect Lockmeadow, Maidstone Market Hall and the town centre into a single destination. 21
Coronation Square: a multi-use space for activities and events throughout the year 22
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Maidstone Market and Maidstone Market Hall A market has operated on the Lockmeadow site for more than 150 years. It forms an important part of Maidstone's heritage and identity and should continue to have a place within the riverside's future. However, long-term success will depend upon its ability to evolve and respond to changing consumer expectations. At its peak, Maidstone Market occupied much of the site and attracted significant visitor numbers. While shopping habits have changed considerably, there remains strong demand for markets that combine local produce, artisan products, independent traders, food, entertainment and experiences. Successful contemporary examples demonstrate that markets thrive when positioned as part of a wider leisure and lifestyle destination rather than solely as retail offers. 23
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Future role of Maidstone Market The current operating model and trading hours do not fully align with contemporary shopping and leisure habits. There is an opportunity to review how the market operates and ensure it complements the wider vision for Riverside, Coronation Square and Maidstone River Park. Consideration should also be given to the relationship between Maidstone Market and other town centre market activities. Rather than competing for traders and visitors, these offers should work together as part of a coordinated destination strategy that creates reasons to visit Maidstone throughout the week and throughout the year. A refreshed market offer could place greater emphasis on artisan producers, local food and drink, specialist traders, crafts, seasonal events and family experiences, broadening its appeal and supporting the wider riverside economy. 24
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Maidstone Market Hall Maidstone Market Hall is one of the borough's hidden assets. Many towns would value the opportunity to have a flexible exhibition, event and market venue in such a prominent riverside location. Existing users, including Frederick Andrews Auctioneers, Maidstone Repair Café and River Market ME16, make an important contribution to its activity and community value and should continue to be supported. However, the building has the potential to play a far greater role in the life of the town. Through more proactive marketing, event programming and community engagement, the hall could become a year-round destination capable of hosting exhibitions, artisan markets, creative workshops, food and drink events, cultural activities, business events and community celebrations. The adjoining café unit, together with its riverside garden, represents a particularly important opportunity. Securing a quality food and beverage operator should be a priority, helping to develop the facility and its use throughout the week. 25
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations A riverside destination The future of Maidstone Market and Maidstone Market Hall should not be considered in isolation. Both have a vital role to play within a wider riverside destination that includes Riverside, Coronation Square and Maidstone River Park. Together, these assets have the potential to create a vibrant waterfront quarter where leisure, culture, markets, events, food and drink, recreation and public spaces complement one another. The ambition should be to create a destination that remains active throughout the day, throughout the week and throughout the year. If Coronation Square becomes the civic heart of Maidstone's riverside, the Market Hall should become its cultural and community hub, providing activity, animation and reasons to visit beyond traditional market trading hours. 426
Vision for the future Maidstone River Park + Lockmeadow Key Considerations Strategic Vision The long-term success of Lockmeadow will not be determined solely by individual tenants, building improvements or occupancy rates. It will be determined by the creation of a clear destination identity that celebrates the River Medway, connects key assets and delivers experiences that people cannot find elsewhere. The opportunity now exists to bring together Lockmeadow, Coronation Square, Maidstone Market, Maidstone Market Hall and the wider River Park into a single, coherent riverside destination. A place where leisure, culture, events, food and drink, recreation and community activity combine to create a vibrant and attractive waterfront quarter. As Lockmeadow approaches its 30th anniversary, this consultation is about far more than the future of an entertainment centre. It is an opportunity to redefine Maidstone's relationship with its river and create a destination that residents are proud of and visitors actively seek out. With a clear vision, strong branding and targeted investment, Riverside could become one of Kent's leading waterfront destinations, delivering economic, cultural and social benefits for decades to come. That would be a fitting legacy for the next chapter of both Lockmeadow and Maidstone River Park. 27
Case studies In considering how Maidstone River Park could better connect the cultural, historic and leisure attractions that line the River Medway between Fairmeadow and Lockmeadow, two successful destination-led regeneration projects provide useful points of reference. • Folkestone Harbour Arm and Lower Leas Coastal Park • Quayside, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays 28
Case studies Folkestone Harbour Arm and Lower Leas Coastal Park Folkestone Harbour Arm demonstrates how a distinctive waterfront destination can be transformed through a clear vision, sensitive heritage restoration and the creation of high-quality public spaces. Since 2014, Folkestone Harbour Arm has been reimagined as a vibrant leisure and cultural destination where visitors can enjoy food and drink, arts and cultural activities, live entertainment and uninterrupted coastal views. The development has successfully balanced commercial activity with the preservation of the harbour's historic character, creating a destination that is both authentic and economically successful. The wider area has been organised into a series of clearly defined yet interconnected zones, including the Harbour Arm, Goods Yard, Harbourside, Beachside and Folkestone Market Place. This zoning helps visitors navigate the area while giving each location its own distinct identity and purpose. Importantly, the Harbour Arm does not operate in isolation. It forms part of a broader seafront experience that extends to the award-winning Lower Leas Coastal Park, creating a continuous visitor offer that links attractions, public spaces and recreational opportunities into a single destination. The key lesson for Maidstone is that successful destinations are created through connectivity, animation and identity rather than individual attractions alone. The relationship between Lockmeadow, Coronation Square, Maidstone Market Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, Jubilee Walk and Maidstone's wider riverside environment mirrors the relationship between Folkestone's harbour and coastal park. Continued >>> 29
Case studies Folkestone Harbour Arm and Lower Leas Coastal Park There are clear opportunities to apply elements of this approach along the River Medway, particularly around Coronation Square and Maidstone Market Hall. Creating distinct activity zones, encouraging riverside food and beverage operators, improving public spaces and strengthening wayfinding could help establish a more coherent and attractive riverside destination while celebrating Maidstone's unique heritage and character. The success of Folkestone demonstrates that waterfront regeneration is most effective when it is planned as a connected visitor experience rather than a collection of separate projects. This principle should sit at the heart of any future vision for Lockmeadow and Maidstone River Park. 30
Folkestone Harbour Arm: an outstanding example of redeveloping a waterfront location 31
Case studies Quayside, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays Salford Quays has been transformed from a derelict post-industrial dockland into one of Europe's most successful waterfront regeneration projects. Today, it is a thriving destination that combines media, culture, leisure, residential development and public realm within a connected waterfront setting. A key component of this transformation has been the evolution of Quayside, formerly The Lowry Outlet Centre. Recognising changing consumer trends, Quayside is shifting away from a predominantly retail-led offer towards a destination focused on leisure, food, entertainment and experiences, an approach that closely aligns with the strengths and future opportunities of Lockmeadow. This repositioning is designed to increase dwell time, encourage repeat visits and create a destination centred on socialising and enjoyment rather than transactional retail. Central to this approach is Kargo MKT, a food hall that has become a major attraction in its own right, bringing together independent food operators within a vibrant, contemporary waterfront setting. Importantly, Quayside does not operate as a standalone destination. It forms part of the wider MediaCityUK and Salford Quays environment, where cinemas, fitness facilities, family attractions, restaurants and public spaces combine to create a diverse and complementary visitor offer. The waterfront itself is actively animated, with outdoor seating, public spaces and food and beverage operators designed to maximise views and activity along the quayside. Continued >>> 32
Case studies Quayside, MediaCityUK, Salford Quays A further parallel with Maidstone can be found in the creation of Irwell River Park. Established in 2008, the project sought to improve connections between Manchester City Centre and Salford Quays through investment in active travel infrastructure, public realm improvements, accessibility, biodiversity and riverfront connectivity. The river was viewed not as a barrier, but as an asset capable of linking destinations and supporting wider regeneration. This approach echoes Maidstone's own investment in riverside infrastructure, including the River Medway Towpath improvements completed in 2018, which enhanced active travel opportunities between Barming, Aylesford and the town centre while supporting new residential development along the corridor. The principal lesson from Salford Quays is that successful waterfront destinations are built around a combination of attractions, experiences and high-quality public spaces connected by an attractive and accessible waterfront environment. Lockmeadow already possesses many of these ingredients, including entertainment, leisure, food and drink, a cinema, gym facilities and significant riverside frontage. However, these assets are not currently presented as part of a unified destination. By strengthening the relationship between Lockmeadow, Coronation Square, Maidstone Market Hall, the Archbishop's Palace, Jubilee Walk and Maidstone River Park, Maidstone has an opportunity to create a connected riverside quarter that offers far more than the sum of its individual parts. As demonstrated by Salford Quays, the quality of the journey between destinations can be just as important as the destinations themselves. The experience of Salford Quays demonstrates that long-term success is achieved not simply through investment in individual buildings, but through the creation of a coherent waterfront destination where leisure, culture, heritage, public realm and active travel work together to support economic growth and civic identity. 33
MediaCityUK: waterfront piazza at North Bay, Salford Quays 34