Residents, businesses and visitors are being invited to have their say on proposals to create a greener, more welcoming and vibrant future for Lockmeadow.

Maidstone Borough Council will launch a six-week public consultation on 7 September, giving people the opportunity to help shape plans for the popular leisure and community destination. The consultation will run until 18 October through Let's Talk Maidstone.

In addition to the survey, people will also have the opportunity to attend drop in sessions to ask questions and find out more. These will be taking place:

Lockmeadow (Outside Unit 10)

• Wednesday 23 September | 6pm to 8pm
• Friday 25 September | 12 noon to 2pm
• Sunday 27 September | 2pm to 4pm

Jubilee Square

• Wednesday 30 September | 12 noon to 2pm
• Thursday 1 October | 12 noon to 2pm

The proposals form part of a wider vision for Lockmeadow, focusing on community engagement and events, greener public spaces, health and wellbeing, improved access and long-term sustainability.

As part of the consultation, residents will be asked for their views on the overall design, green spaces and planting, seating and gathering areas, accessibility across the site, and the events and activities, including the Market Hall and markets. There is also an opportunity to share how respondents currently use Lockmeadow and what is important to them as part of their visit.

Ideas for the future of Lockmeadow include more trees, planting and biodiversity, flexible space for events and community activities, new seating and gathering spaces, improved riverside public space and opportunities for markets, cafés and local businesses.

The consultation is supported by concept designs showing how Lockmeadow could evolve into a greener destination with improved public spaces and stronger connections to the River Medway.

Councillor Stephen Thompson, Cabinet Member for Healthier Stronger Communities, 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.

"This consultation is about the future of Lockmeadow as a whole. We want to hear views on everything from biodiversity and public spaces to events, accessibility and community uses so that local people can help inform the next stage of the design."

Lockmeadow has seen significant investment in recent years, including improvements to the health club, the introduction of Love Food @ Lockmeadow and the arrival of new businesses including Cycles UK and Cece's Nursery. Footfall is currently running 4.4% higher than the same period in 2025, reflecting the site's growing popularity.

The consultation is intended to gather community feedback before future design and implementation decisions are considered, no decisions have yet been made so it is a fantastic opportunity for people to get involved.

Residents can take part in the consultation by visiting Let's Talk Maidstone from 7 September.

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