The retail heart of Canterbury city centre has been given a much-needed confidence boost with the submission of a £30 million proposal to redevelop the former Nasons site.

Developers behind the ambitious project gave a preview of what they imagined for the prime one-acre location - rebranded Biggleston Yard - at a public exhibition late last year.

Now, following some small changes to the design, they have submitted an official planning application to the city council, setting out their vision for a retail arcade, covered market hall, offices, 33 flats and 32 serviced apartments for long and short-term stays.

It is a huge shot in the arm for Canterbury’s retail sector which, like most, is struggling in the aftermath of the Covid lockdown and continued restrictions.

The plans have been welcomed by the boss of Canterbury’s Business Improvement District group, Lisa Carlton.

She described it as “a very welcome and positive step for Canterbury”.

“This remains a challenging time for businesses, but the level of investment we to see in Canterbury is very encouraging,” she said.

“It includes the Slatters Hotel on St Margaret Street, the former Barrett’s site on Pound Lane and the Guildhall Quarter (former Debenhams Site) - now home to over 50 colourful vinyls showing off Canterbury’s rich culture and heritage - as well as an art exhibition space on Sun Yard and a mural by artist Cat Man.

“The inclusion of retail, residential, office and community space in the Biggleston Yard site, alongside a new pedestrian arcade and market hall, means that the site will bring something fresh and new for everyone who uses the city centre.

“Retailing has changed and the city needs to change with it, focusing on the broader experience, and that is what this development can bring to the city.”

Developers are also respecting the history of the site, and following a detailed heritage assessment, the Biggleston Yard plans incorporate the remnants of a late medieval Church House, plus early 18th century elements including the Grade II-listed, three-storey terraced property at 46, High Street.

The mid-19th century foundry used by HM Biggleston & Sons - a six-generation family business that produced iron castings, railway girders, lamp-posts and other street furniture - is retained and refurbished, and the forge repurposed and integrated within the scheme.

The proposals are being driven forward by the Setha Group, whose chief executive, Manuel Alsoni, said: “Biggleston Yard is a sustainable response to the changes happening in our city centres.

“Canterbury can celebrate its medieval past, and at the same time provide an exciting future for residents, visitors and businesses.

“By combining the site’s industrial past with high-quality sustainable development it offers an exciting new chapter for Canterbury.”

Th scheme has been drawn up by Canterbury-based architects Clague and London-based Child Graddon Lewis.

Karl Elliott, managing partner at Clague, said: “Biggleston Yard would be a new retail destination and place to live and stay in the heart of Canterbury.

“Having a site the size of Nasons vacant leaves an economically important hole in the centre of the city.

“Canterbury remains a positive place to invest and we hope the plans are welcomed as we look to restart the city centre’s economy.”

Simon Child, of CGL Architects, added: “By master planning the site a whole we have been able to create a T-shaped pedestrian area connecting the High Street through a covered commercial arcade and linked to White Horse Lane and St Margaret’s Street.

“This will enhance the visitor experience and reinvigorate the heart of Canterbury.”

The Biggleston Yard proposals were the subject of a two-day public exhibition last December.

Of the 365 attendees, 91% were in favour of the development - 74 % very supportive and 17 % quite supportive - with a further 5% undecided or
neutral.

It is hoped the Biggleston Yard proposals will be considered by Canterbury City Council before the end of the year. If approved, work is expected to start next year.

The proposals are available at www.BigglestonYard.info.

Read more: All the latest news from Canterbury