Decision details

Proposed decision-

To authorise the creation of a Dover Discovery Community Hub including the following KCC services Community Learning and Skills, Children Social Services, a Library, Good Day Programme Services. Delegate authority and authorise the Director of Infrastructure in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services to enter into a Funding Agreement setting out the funding arrangements with Dover District Council and to enter into any contracts or property arrangements required to deliver the Community Hub.

Background:

The Dover Discovery Centre is a prominent building located in Dover Town Centre. The building is currently in split ownership between KCC and Dover District Council (DDC). The District Council have ambitious plans to support the renewal of the Town Centre and support its continued vibrancy. It is in this context that the Dover Community Hub project has been developed. The new community hub will enable the relocation of the Children’s Services Team from its current location at Poultons Family Centre, provide space for The Good Day Programme, enable the redevelopment of the library and adult education to offer improved public access, and an opportunity for an improved co-ordinated service. It is envisaged that the project will bring a higher footfall to the Town Centre and improve public access to both the archaeology which sits below the building and the external ruins of the St. Martin’s Le Grand Church and the Classis Britannica Fort. The proposals have provided an opportunity to incorporate the provision of a walk-in archive facility and education room within the Dover District Council owned area, which provides an opportunity to co-locate the Dover District Council and Kent County Council local studies archive within one single space. The proposed archive facility will provide improved facilities for those undertaking local studies research and allow enhanced access to the extensive artefacts and ephemera held by the Museum.

By bringing together key services KCC will enable a more holistic service offer to the residents in Dover, in a key location that supports the wider regeneration of Dover Town Centre in a modern, fit for purpose building.

As Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services I agree to authorise the creation of a Dover Discovery Community Hub including the following KCC services, Community Learning and Skills, Children Social Services, a Library, Good Day Programme Services. Delegate authority and authorise the Director of Infrastructure, in consultation with the Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services, to enter into a Funding Agreement setting out the funding arrangements with Dover District Council and to enter into any contracts or property arrangements required to deliver the Community Hub.