HMS Decorative Surfacing has been awarded the decorative surfacing contract as part of works being delivered by Principal Contractor Blakedown Landscapes, to transform Canterbury’s Dane John Gardens, the City Wall and Greyfriars as part of the city’s £22m regeneration programme.
Blakedown has appointed HMS to resurface 10,000m² of paving for paths and walkways around the gardens. The wider scheme is funded through a grant from the government’s national Levelling Up Fund, which was established to support regeneration of town and city centres across the UK.
Canterbury’s successful bid for funding, Connected Canterbury: Unlocking the Tales of England, is set to revive the city’s public spaces and celebrate its rich culture as an international visitor destination and World Heritage Site. The project is set to boost employment, improve green space, protect historical sites and revive disused areas.
HMS will install low-maintenance, durable resin bonded paving in Brittany Bronze on footpaths at these key historical sites. Approved by English Heritage, it complements Canterbury’s historic buildings, blending naturally with its surroundings. This paving is set to be a highlight of Dane John’s park renovation, which also includes a new café, landscaping, a mural and a playground.
Phil Wraight, Project Manager at Blakedown Landscapes, commented on the project: “We’re delighted to have HMS on board. After working alongside the team previously at Kensington Gardens in 2014, we knew their level of professionalism, together with the materials they use, would be a strong fit for the project. We’re working hard to deliver the scheme in line with programme targets set by the Council, to a standard that reflects Canterbury’s significance as a World Heritage Site.”
Laura Wilson, Director at HMS Decorative Surfacing, said: “This project is huge for the Canterbury community and will have a long-lasting impact on the city’s tourism industry. We’re proud to have been chosen to enhance and protect such an important historical site by Blakedown and Canterbury Council.
“Our team is currently working diligently to install this decorative surface, which will offer a low-maintenance, durable and seamless finish. It will be aesthetically pleasing and help protect the public from injuries caused by slips, trips or falls while jogging, walking, wheeling or cycling. We can’t wait to see the finished result and help make a real difference for residents and visitors.”
Work in Canterbury starts on 13th April 2026 and is forecast to be completed by June 2026.
