Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
#1
#2
Nothing new there then, and not very forceful. Still, you never know. I'm surprised he didn't mention the Invicta white horse that KCC are thinking oif dumping in Dover somewhere. Maybe that could be put in the DTIZ site until something sensible is done with the place?
Guest 693- Registered: 12 Nov 2009
- Posts: 1,266
#3
Nothing new, as you say Sid, but true nevertheless. Perhaps because the comments come from someone without a political agenda, and from one so well respected, the comments might be acted upon.
True friends stab you in the front.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#4
I'm sure the folks at DDC will take this opportunity to review the scheme along with the developers. There is still clearly a need to improve the retail offer in Dover and an "anchor tennant" is often the key to attracting other retailers. A department store would be great, but that would probably require the footprint of the whole site.
#5
I doubt we'd get a department store because, as we've often been told, there is no money in Dover. We're all too poor to shop at places such as Fenwicks or even Debenhams. And besides, we'd prefer to spend almost a million quid a week in Tesco.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#6
speak for your self sid,never did like tescos.
Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
#7
There is enough in Dover as I've pointed out before. Unfortunately a good part of it is in River and Whitfield, on the edge of town and with their backs to it.
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#8
A department store would hopefully draw people into Dover from other towns in East Kent - after all parking is becoming more of a problem in Canterbury - and they'd be able to combine shopping with a visit to the seafront, which will stimulate the cafe culture and restuarants that are needed to develop a nightime economy. This would also attract visitors from the continent. The French were devastated when Marks & Spencer closed their store in Paris! Hopefully, people will eventually realise that the market potential for Dover isn't just from the local populace but also from the 15 million people who pass this very site on their way to and from the port.
Guest 684- Registered: 26 Feb 2009
- Posts: 635
#9
Well said, Kevin. Absolutely right. There's a big world out there - in Kent and beyond - that we could and should be attracting. Reach for the stars, as Derek Leach refreshingly said.
Dover's small-minded valley-bound seige mentality is one of the very reasons (but not the only one) why the local retail economy's on its knees.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#10
There is some very good strategic regeneration planned for Dover (not talking specifically about DTIZ, but linked to it) that will change the view people have of the Town and bring many people here.
The "big-stuff" is very welcome and necessary and if a department store or similar can be encouraged here, or even a bigger M & S, then this could bring success out of the jaws of failure.
My concern though, is for the here and now and the ground floor approach and support for the businesses and the Town, is what is needed - so a two-pronged attack - short term and medium term (the long term is already being looked after).
Roger
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
#11
Quite surprised, I am. Dover trying to attract tourism, Dover trying to double port-traffic with already the busiest port in Britain, and then trying to beg for money from some local residents within a 20 mile radius who should "come to Dover and shop"! A bit down-graded this idea, isn't it!
Guest 697- Registered: 13 Apr 2010
- Posts: 622
#12
Dover's port traffic will continue to rise due to its geographic location. The development of the second ferry terminal is based on long-term traffic forecasts. Whilst the recession has had an impact on traffic, and hence the development timescale, the traffic growth will come. That's why the port development and wider regeneration plans are inextricably linked. The challenge is to ensure that the town gains the benefit of this growth. Roger's quite right that the vision and long term picture appears to be well in hand, although I think it's fair to say that townsfolk are sceptical about delivery. There's certainly a need for stimulus in the current economic environment, which is precisely why I also started a separate thread about the AIDAblu's regular port of call visits. We're looking a gift horse in the mouth (is that the right expression?). Unlike the ferry traffic which is transiting through the town (although could of course be persuaded back with more marketing), passengers on cruise ships visiting the town are a captive audience.
Guest 653- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 10,540
#13
I agree with you Kevin, about the Town, with regard to the DTIZ and the lost business/trade with the cruise ships.
So much more could and should be done, but with the blinkers worn by the Chamber of Commerce, as regards Dover Business Support, the new Manager would have to spend all his time recruiting and that's no benefit to Dover or the businesses, just the Chamber.
I have put forward "in Principle" proposals for a new business suppport initiative, it'll be interesting to see if it is picked up.
Roger
Brian Dixon- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#14
to be honest i cant see ditz getting stated for another 20 years,and by then it will be a grade 2 listed derilict site with siantific intresst.