Following on from customer feedback to the parking facilities at Heart of the Shires, we have invested into a brand new driveway and parking area.

We now have a new entrance, driveway and parking bays, completing a full refurbishment that began in 2016.

Heart of the Shires Car Park
Heart of the Shires New Driveway and Car Park

Following resurfacing work that took place during September, we’ve now concluded the final stage of the site’s development. The 6,000 square metre resurfacing project was carried out by Phoenix Surfacing, an independent surface contractor based in Kettering.

The resurfacing completes the £100,000 plus site refurbishment and updates that began in 2015 when our site colours were altered and a new logo and signage were designed. The modernisation at our grounds have been kept in a style which still reflects the surrounding area and the age of the Victorian red brick buildings.

“We are so happy with the development!” comments Gail Cleland, site manager at Heart of the Shires. “The previous parking surface wasn’t ideal: it could become dusty in the summer and was prone to potholes and puddles in the winter, so we decided to do something about it and we’re really pleased with the outcome.”

During the redevelopment, it was decided early on not to spoil the character of the Victorian site. “We’re very proud of our site’s history and we are always keen to make improvements whilst keeping the original quirks and charm of the buildings.” explains Gail.

Contractors Phoenix Surfacing work involved the preparation of an existing stone car park with the surfacing element of the work thoughtfully programmed over a series of days and nights. This helped avoid disruption to businesses and their customers. The line marking of the bays was phased to allow sections of the car park to be opened at all times.

Managing Agent Sam Skinner of Fisher German commented “The car park looks exceptional, please pass on our thanks to your team. The feedback has been nothing but excellent.”

Having had numerous compliments from customers of the shopping village too, Phoenix Surfacing commissioned aerial portraits using drone technology to showcase the finished article.

New Driveway and Parking