As all residents had noticed, by 2009 the iconic Colonnade in the centre of Hawkhurst had deteriorated significantly. An extensive survey revealed that while it had stood for a significant period of time, the basic structural design had become unstable and this in turn had led to rot and decay.
Hawkhurst Community Partnership raised around £75,000 to fundamentally rebuild the structure. The build works included many alterations with the aim of strengthening the Colonnade and returning it to its former glory.
Davis Builders of Hawkhurst carried out the work which started in Spring 2010 and extended for about 10 weeks.
Support local shops
All of the shops stayed open during the build programme and residents were urged to continue to support them fully during this period while they were surrounded by scaffolding.
Thanks to funders
In addition to funds from the traders and some of the freeholders, significant contributions were also received from Tunbridge Wells Borough Council, Kent County Council and Kent Rural Towns. In addition Leader funding (The Rural develoment programme for England) was also received . We are very grateful to them for all their support.
Thanks also goes to Hawkhurst Parish Council without whose match funding and support the scheme could not have progressed.
The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) is funded by Defra and the EU. The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD): Europe investing in rural areas.
