Visions for city and town centres to go under the microscope

Our city centre and town centres are constantly evolving to keep up with our ever-changing lifestyles.

And that means it has never been more important to find ways to make them flourish and thrive into the future.

Councillors on Canterbury City Council’s Overview Committee will consider just that when they debate the latest draft of the Canterbury District Town Centre Strategies at their meeting on Wednesday 10 December.

The document outlines a draft vision each for Canterbury, Herne Bay and Whitstable after extensive public consultation.

It says by 2040, Canterbury should continue to be: “A world-class visitor destination with a reputation for learning, literature and legacy.

“By maximising the use of our heritage and cultural assets, we will have encouraged visitors to stay longer, students to put down long term-roots and businesses grow in an increasingly digitally enabled world.

“The city will be a hub for creativity, education and enterprise animated by students, residents, workers and visitors year-round.”

The document says Herne Bay should be a ‘healthier, more prosperous town where young people want to stay and everyone is proud to call it home’.

It adds: “Its vibrant seafront and high street will be home to an ambitious calendar of events which bring people together to celebrate their past and embrace a more inclusive, creative future.”

Finally, it sees Whitstable as: “A magnet for people drawn to its lively maritime character, creative culture and historic charm, all year round.

“Its working harbour and quirky independent high street will better balance the needs of its residents with the popularity as a tourist destination.

“A greater variety of high-quality spaces will make sure the town is a great place to live and spend time in.”

The visions are backed by a set of strategic principles to ensure they are achieved.

Read the draft Canterbury District Town Centre Strategies document.

Overview Committee meets at the Guildhall in St Peter’s Place, Canterbury, at 7pm.

Councillors’ views will be passed onto Cabinet.

Photo credit: Visit Canterbury – Alex Hare.

Published: 2 December 2025