Traders expect brighter 2026 after regeneration

Traders in Ashbourne have said they expect the town to attract more visitors this year following the completion of a £15.9m regeneration project.

Work on the Ashbourne Reborn project led to complaints from traders about a loss in takings and long traffic delays last year.

Pavements have now been re-laid and widened and landscaping has been completed during the regeneration work, which was funded by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government.

A second phase of work to create a performance venue and community hub is expected to be finished in the spring.

Vicky Harris-Bennett, a sales assistant in Stepping Stones Shoes in St John Street, said she would be "very surprised" if the regeneration project did not attract more visitors, as it has made the town easier to navigate for pedestrians.

She added: "Obviously we still get trucks coming through, but it feels a lot more spacious. I think it just encourages shoppers and looks smarter generally."

The pavements in Dig Street and St John Street have been widened along with landscaping work to Millennium Square, next to the shops in St John Street.

There has also been improvement work to Shrovetide Walk that runs between Dig Street and the Shawcroft car park.

Tom Ertman, who runs the deli Cheddar Gorge in Dig Street, said during June, July and August last year his takings were down by between £12,500 and £13,000 on the year before which he believed was a result of the regeneration work.

But he said the widening of the pavement near his shop has made a real difference.

"The narrowing of the roads is a big improvement to the town, you can now feel the difference walking around," he said.

"The traffic is not as oppressive as it used to be. I certainly think it is a more friendly town for pedestrians."

Lara Myles grew up in the town and works at the Little Shed cafe in Dig Street, but she lived abroad for seven years before returning in August.

She said Ashbourne was "a little bit run down" but has since noticed how it had improved.

Ms Myles added it was easier for visitors to look round the businesses in Dig Street after the changes.

"It's more beneficial for people exploring the town because there is more room on the pavements," she added.

Derbyshire Dales District Council has been leading the project and has been working with the town council and county council.

Ashbourne district councillor, Stuart Lees, said he was relieved this work had been completed because he had received many complaints about the disruption it was causing.

He said the pavements were uneven before this work was done and it was not easy to walk around the town.

"It will make a lot of difference to the tourists and shoppers alike because they will have a better environment to be shopping in - so it should be much better," he added.

The second phase of Ashbourne Reborn is expected to cost more than £7m and is funded by the Government's Levelling Up Fund.

The money will be used to create a new performance venue and meeting space in the town's Methodist Church which is due to be finished in the spring.

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