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.
Decision type: Key
Reason Key: Expenditure or savings of more than £1m;
Decision status: Recommendations Approved
Division affected: Dover Town;
Notice of proposed decision first published: 08/07/2021
Decision due: Not before 6th Aug 2021 by Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Lead member: Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Finance, Corporate and Traded Services
Contact: David Jackson, Planning Director Commercial Services Telephone number 03000 417606 Email: david.jackson@kent.gov.uk.
Consultation process
The proposed decision was considered and endorsed by Policy & Resources Cabinet Committee on 13 July 2021.
Financial implications: The project will enable the Council to consolidate its property footprint into a single location. The project is expected to deliver revenue savings once in steady state. Funding has been allocated from the Capital MTFP to progress with the redevelopment. Dover District Council's Cabinet have agreed to enter into an agreement with KCC to contribute towards the cost of delivering the scheme. The funding is proposed as follows: COST FUNDING Stage 2 Cost £7.75M KCC £7.2M Dover District Council £0.550M
Legal implications: Investment is required to meet statutory compliance and provide fit for purpose accommodation for KCC and DDC services. The proposed redevelopment will meet the Council’s obligations to its staff and users in terms of accessibility, inclusion and its environmental objectives. A key decision is being sought in accordance with the Council’s governance processes.
Equalities implications: A screening assessment has been undertaken and will be kept updated as the project progresses.