Consultation opens on future of Lockmeadow site

A consultation exploring making further improvements to one of Maidstone's "most popular destinations" is now under way.

Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) is asking people for their input on how to improve Lockmeadow, an entertainment, leisure and market complex which it said had already had significant investment in recent years.

According to the local authority, footfall is currently 4.4% higher than the same period in 2025.

Councillor Stephen Thompson said: "Lockmeadow is already one of Maidstone's most popular destinations and we want to build on that success."

"We're asking residents, visitors and local businesses to help shape a vision for a greener, more connected and more welcoming Lockmeadow that offers even more opportunities for leisure, culture, community activity and wellbeing," he added.

The local authority said in August it was exploring a number of options for the site, an announcement which market traders said left them fearful about a potential closure.

MBC said at the time that traders had not been given notice, a position it said remained unchanged.

Part of the consultation will see people asked for their views on the whole site, including the Market Hall and markets.

MBC said ideas for the future of Lockmeadow included more trees, flexible space for events and community activities, new seating and gathering spaces, and improved riverside public space.

Alongside the online consultation, a number of drop-in sessions will run outside Unit 10 at Lockmeadow and in Jubilee Square.

The consultation is running until 18 October.

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