Library image: Canterbury City Council
Work on the St Mary Bredman Square redevelopment in Canterbury is scheduled to commence this Monday, February 2, with a significant focus on the site’s historical heritage. As part of the city’s Levelling Up initiative, the project aims to revitalize the area outside the former Nason’s store, beginning with an intensive archaeological investigation.
During preliminary assessments of the site, a historic vault was discovered beneath the existing paving. Experts from the Canterbury Archaeological Trust have been brought in to lead the excavations, ensuring that the site’s deep historical roots—formerly home to a church—are carefully documented and preserved as the modern transformation begins.
The redesign is specifically tailored to honour the location’s ecclesiastical past while creating a functional public space. Key features of the project include:
- Heritage Preservation: Repositioning gravestones for better visibility and relocating a historic horse trough to the front of the square.
- Artistic Memorials: The installation of a large-scale mural on the side wall reflecting the site’s former use as a church.
- Structural Enhancements: New steps at the former Nason’s entrance to create a more inviting atmosphere, along with completely re-laid paving.
- Greenspace & Seating: Expanded planting beds, new benches, and trellis work with climbing plants to provide “modern calm and serenity” adjacent to the busy high street.
Cllr Charlotte Cornell, Cabinet member for the Levelling Up project, noted that the design thoughtfully balanced the site’s history with the need for vibrant city spaces. While the square itself is expected to be largely complete by late March, the larger redevelopment of the Nason’s building remains in a transitional phase.
Although a previous planning permission lapsed due to regional “nutrient neutrality” challenges in the Stodmarsh catchment area, local officials report that mitigation schemes are nearing completion and the city has already seen renewed interest from developers, and while a new planning application will be required, officers are actively advising parties to bring a fresh vision for the building to life.