Drivers in Ashbourne are being reminded not to park on the town’s Market Place, as events begin following the recent restoration and pedestrianisation of the area. Parking tickets are being issued to those who ignore the new restrictions.
As part of the UK Government funded Ashbourne Reborn transformation programme, Grade II listed surfaces have been repaired and restored, new street furniture added and trees planted to bring much-needed greenery into the town centre. On 31 January, Ashbourne Makers Market moved to its new regular home on the Market Place, and this is expected to be followed by a series of both new and familiar events throughout the year. The programme is being developed by local partners including the Town Team and Ashbourne Town Council, and will build on popular events like StreetFest and the Lantern Parade.
Despite signage informing drivers that the Market Place is no longer a car park, a small number of vehicles are persisting in using the pedestrianised area. The District Council are reminding drivers that enforcement is in place, and those drivers that continue to ignore parking restrictions risk receiving a parking ticket.
A spokesperson for the District Council said:
“Representatives of local business and the community have been clear since the Government funding bid was submitted that they want the Market Place to be used as a public space and for events. To make sure this can happen, we will be enforcing the new parking restrictions and drivers risk receiving a ticket if they park on the Market Place.
“There is plenty of alternative parking in Ashbourne, as well short-stay spaces, including two disabled bays, around the edges of the Market Place for visits to local businesses.”
Nearby car parks including the Cattle Market Car Park, Ashbourne DE6 1ED (0.2 miles from the Market Place), reduced to a flat rate of £2 per day, Shawcroft Car Park, Ashbourne, DE6 1GD (0.2 miles from the Market Place) and Bus Station Car Park, Ashbourne, DE6 1BW (0.3 miles from the Market Place).
The Highways and Public Realm project is transforming the historic town centre with wider pavements, clearer pedestrian crossings and improved public spaces. It is led by the County Council, with contractors Galliford Try carrying out works on their behalf. A second major project to develop The Link Centre, led by Ashbourne Methodist Church, is due to open mid-2026. The new community hub will host a series of cultural events throughout the year as well as providing a range of new services to residents, businesses and visitors in Ashbourne.
Derbyshire Dales District Council is the Accountable Body for Ashbourne Reborn, Derbyshire County Council is responsible for delivering the Highways and Public Realm project and Ashbourne Methodist Church the Link Community Hub. These partners work in collaboration with Ashbourne Town Team, Ashbourne Town Council and AshCom who brought forward proposals, identified opportunities and raised match funding for the original bid.
To receive email updates, sign up for the newsletter at the District Council website www.derbyshiredales.gov.uk/enewsreg (tick the box for Ashbourne Reborn), or visit the Ashbourne Reborn website www.ashbournereborn.co.uk for the latest news, FAQs and detailed information about the project.
