News Lockmeadow’s new Food Hall gets a name!
Following a public vote and market research with stakeholders, Lockmeadow finally has its chosen name for the Food Hall coming to the centre this autumn.
Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) can reveal that it was a close call between the final two names, which were put to vote after a survey narrowed down from six overall – but the winner is Love Food at Lockmeadow with a vote count of 52.1% against Lockmeadow Street Food, which came in at 47.9%.
Alexa Kersting-Woods, Leisure Property Manager for Maidstone Borough Council said:
“We are really pleased with the choice, it was hard to find the perfect name and we liked both options in the final vote. Love Food at Lockmeadow will encompass all our tenants’ offerings and will live up to its name for those who like good food on the go.“Love Food at Lockmeadow will be the perfect accompaniment to those looking for fresh, high quality food quickly. The pricing will be affordable and the choices of food will span the globe.”
Lockmeadow has been holding focus groups with local residents and businesses to gain their opinions on which foods they would like to enjoy in the Food Hall at Lockmeadow and will use that information to help select interested parties.
Ms Kersting Woods added:
“We are so excited about bringing this to Lockmeadow. The nature of the tenant collective within Love Food will allow new businesses to grow and flourish without taking on large premises with long-term fixed rent contracts.“Our stakeholder groups have said they want local produced food and businesses where possible and we have been extremely pleased with the interest so far with more than 30 enquiries.
“We are striving to offer existing and new audiences a different eating out experience for the town. From light bites, sharing platters for friends and families meeting, or a coffee stop after a riverside walk and we want it to provide an offer for as many audiences as possible.”
MBC also has plans for outside dining and a new play area and working to a current timeline to open Love Food at Lockmeadow in autumn 2021.
Independent food caterers who would like an information pack and more details about the food hall are asked to please contact Alexa Kersting-Woods and email: AlexaKerstingWoods@maidstone.gov.uk
The Food Hall is part of improvements to Lockmeadow which also includes an outside terrace for alfresco dining and a children’s play area between the stag sculpture and the River Medway.