WELL there is no doubt that there is never a
dull day at Dover Pride
with all the things which are happening around the town at the
moment.
The refurbished Priory
Station looks quite splendid and not only can the impact be
seen immediately outside with the attractive new forecourt and
improved public access but those who live nearby are to be
congratulated too as they have invested in their properties to
improve the lovely period facades nearby.
Overall this small area of the town has suddenly come to life
and what a difference it makes for those arriving by rail and
living nearby.
The Esplanade looks quite amazing and is a work of art in
itself, which can be seen to best affect from the balcony of the
striking new sea sports centre or even better, from up at the
castle where the new pathway looks like a snake rippling along the
beach – another reason for those who are visiting the castle to
come down and see some of the wider attractions that are hidden in
Dover town.
We are very thankful for the Sea Change funding, which has
enabled development of the sea front and the castle, as well as
community outreach projects within the town itself. Funding is
always difficult to obtain and will become even scarcer. In the
case of Sea Change, had we not applied to develop the sea front
with a view to connecting it to the castle and town, we would have
not received anything.
So while we would all like to see the demise of Burlington House
and a revitalised Market Square, sometimes we have to accept what
is there and then build on it to complete the bigger picture.
The Dover Pride regeneration strategy is a 30-year vision for
Dover town, which was developed in 2005 and was instrumental in
underpinning the Dover local development framework.
As with all good things it takes time to make them happen,
however, five years on from the first Dover Pride strategy document
and we are already chipping away significantly at the iceberg.
Report by Amanda Lumley for Dover Express