Historic Hotel Given New Life After Renewal Project

An historic hotel in the heart of Dover has been given a new life as flats to rent after a £1.5m urban renewal project.

The former Metropole Hotel, in Canon Street, has been converted into 29 flats, which have been finished to a high standard.

The Metropole was built in 1895 and has had a number of uses over the years, including as flats, cinema and a bar. The top three stories had been empty for over 15 years until the renovation project, which was boosted by an Empty Properties Grant of more than £200,000 from Dover District Council.

The ground floor is used as a pub, the Eight Bells, and shops but these are entirely separate from the flats, which have their own entrance to the building.

The project, by Lillydale Properties and Town and Country Housing Group, has not only retained one of Dover's landmark buildings but has brought new vitality to the town centre as a place to live.

Town and Country spokeswoman Wendy Bishop said it was fitting that a hotel where excited travellers would once spend their last night before departing for the continent was now providing a place where people could build their futures.

"The Metropole has enjoyed a very varied existence and the new use is one which will really benefit the people of the town by providing quality flats in a very central location," said Mrs Bishop.

"Town's should treasure their architectural heritage and this project has ensured that part of Dover's distinctive past is preserved for future generations."

The monthly rents for the one and two bedroom unfurnished flats range from £350 to £480. There is a security entry phone system.

The flats are being marketed through the Accommodation Shop, Dover, telephone 0845 408 3411 (low call rate).