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The meeting at Maison Dieu House last evening was met, apparently, with an unprecedented turnout many left standing or sitting on the floor (for which the 'Chair' apologized at the outset), demonstrating in part, curiosity, a wish to know what was going on and be constructively informed, and concern over how matters were being dealt with.
There were three presentations.
Tim Ingleton, DDC's Head of Inward Investment, started the ball rolling with what was expected to be an update on the St. James (DTIZ) Development. Regretfully it turned out to be no more that what was already common knowledge to anyone even vaguely interested in the project. There was still no main contractor but all sub-contractors were in place. One was left wondering just who was controlling them and who was financing the steel work constructions taking place on the cinema site and adjacent blocks. The same can be said for the work progressing above ground on the Hotel site. Apparently all is still on track for completion by the end of 2017, although the tenants will ultimately decide the date.
At this stage of construction it must surely be unprecedented to not have a main contractor in place.
Neil Wiggins gave an illuminating presentation on the Town Team project - plans for the Market Square and King Street up to Market Street (yes, that little street that leads off Cannon Street to the open land behind the Roman Painted House). Plenty of information here to absorb with emphasis on attracting locals and visitors to a more vibrant area throughout the day and into the evening. 2m high fountain jets sporting projected laser images of Dover past (no ghosts), directional lighting and comfortable seating with Roman 'balls' dividing road from pedestrian area are just a few of the proposals to revitelize the area. Opening up King Street and removing the present bus stop there to provide more connectivity, visibly and aesthetically, to the seafront and St James Development was another of the points well made. The result of the second bidding round due at end of March/beginning of April is awaited in order to secure the necessary funding.
All in all, the best presentation of the evening; thank you Neil.
Now, the third and final presentation - and the most contentious, if later Q's & A's are to be believed - 'Love Dover' - given by Alison Burton. A recently registered charity that hopes to improve the appearance of Dover by buying up properties, developing them into business and residential use, selling or leasing them off, reducing business rates on those properties where floors above ground level would be converted to residential use. To achieve this Dover Town Council has allocated £350,000 of rate payers money to the charity (presently run by Ms Burton and Cllr. Rix) starting with the purchase of the property known as 'Dickens Corner' at 7 Market Square. The secrecy about this operation was the subject of much concern during the Q&A session (which was woefully all too short) and was in no way allayed by somewhat terse responses from Ms Burton. All this left one wondering exactly what and where our taxpaying monies were being directed, and just, if not more, importantly what future involvements in this 'project' would go to vested interests without full disclosure of the processes involved. No clarity at all here I'm afraid. The idea of improving properties in Dover may be laudable and as an ideal much needed in our town centre, but without complete transparency by all those involved it will not carry the day with Dover's residents and taxpayers. This will be closely watched all the way.
[My personal interpretation of last night's meeting. I am sure that others on this forum will disagree or make necessary corrections].
[If you teach all your plumbers to become philosophers, neither your theories nor your pipes will hold water]