Guest 975- Registered: 19 Jun 2013
- Posts: 28
#1
Dover is an ugly, depressed district and has been victim to Dover District Council for far too long! Post war Dover still resembles the devastation left by the Germans in World War II over 70 years ago, however this is a far uglier state. Each person within the Dover district has to be subjected to the arrogent Councils mistakes. Burlington House, The Gateway, The Charlton Centre and the unused multi-storey car parks.
The dated Council needs to wake up and see the potential within Dover. Spend the money in the right places!
Since the development of Townwall Street in the 1970's Dover town has been brutally absent from historic seafront. A dirty and dingy underpass one of few routes to Dover's long lost relative. Little to inspire pride in your town.
A few years ago I was walking up Biggin Street and was stopped by a confused looking American tourist, who said "excuse me, where is the town centre?", my embarrassed reply was "Your in it, this is it". The party then headed for the nearest bus to Canterbury. The St James development in its current form won't change this problem. Next time I'll be able to point them towards a slightly newer area of charity shops, which will be the inevitable outcome.
There is no connection between the existing town centre and the proposed development. Flying Horse Lane and Dolphin Passage will be the two narrow lanes that will direct people from depressed Dover to the new retail outlets. There are no plans for improving the access to the development. The demolition of Dolphin House, another tired mistake from DDC's past would be the best solution. Connecting another historic area of Dover, the Market Square, with the new development.
This would free space for a grand entrance to the development and also provide opportunity to take advance of the River Dour. The river has been build over, forgotten and neglected with ever development in Dover.
It's taken 20 years to get this far, so why not do it right for once.
Ideas:
Restaurants by the River.
Bridge over the A20 with direct access to the seafront.
Redeveloped the old KCC buildings on the Seafront side of the underpass - Restaurant and little quirky shops similar to Herne Bay or Broadstairs. This would go someway to retaining and improving some beautiful buildings.
Refurbishment of the Market Square - encourage market trading and transform another historic part of Dover. This would help remove the scares of the post war buildings.
We still have disgusting acts of negligence against our beautiful buildings. Recently a car wash was giving precedence over a GARDE II LISTED BUILDING!! This brings back memories of the outrage demolition of Brook House in 1988, another disgraceful decision by DDC! The car wash should be closed and the grand old building should be incorporated in the redevelopment plans. Dover's past should enhance the future.
An ambitious town will breed ambitious people. Our environment impacts the residence, give us something to be proud of and it will be respected. Its time we had a council that respects our history and looks to improve our future, for the town and its residence.
This is Dover!! The gateway to Europe, Britians busiest passenger port, Dover Castle, the White Clifffs, the seafront and many more.
Andrew
Guest 1266- Registered: 8 May 2014
- Posts: 381
#2
I went over to Westwood Cross today and was amazed at the size of the new Sainsburys and Primark. Westwood Cross has become a mega shopping centre and will continue. Dover cannot compete and should not, the cinema and restaurants that Dover has waited over 20 years for will do little to help the demise of the town, maybe accelerate it. The DTIZ area needs a new approach if the land is secured. As for an ugly district? I would totally disagree because Deal and Sandwich are lovely towns with a huge amount going for them. Until Dover realises that it is not a major shopping centre and needs a new approach then the town will continue to die.
Jack of Hearts
Guest 975- Registered: 19 Jun 2013
- Posts: 28
#3
Dover town centre is ugly and has been victim to mistake after mistake by this council. I would agree that other areas of the district are thriving, maybe I should have been more specific but Dover is still in decline.
The council should be protecting the towns history instead of ripping it down.
Surely things have to change!
Andrew
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#4
Town as they have been for 100years are over,yes it is sad but over they there is not money in most shops in any town centre not only Dover.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#5
Andrew it was hitlers fault is why its ugly.