English coastal town reveals plans to become popular tourist destination with £10.4million attraction revamp
AN English coastal town has revealed plans to become a popular tourist destination.
£10.4million will be ploughed into the seaside location to give it a huge revamp and attract more people.
6
Developers have teamed up with the District Council in Dover to revamp the area
Credit: Alamy
6
The public body wants to increase tourism and investment in the town
Credit: Alamy
Dover District Council plans to "boost regeneration and economic growth" and the body has teamed up with private contractors.
It has also decided to collaborate with developers to reinvigorate the area and make it "a place to live, work, visit, learn and invest".
The body has partnered up with Willmott Dixon and Milligan, as they seek to improve public areas.
Together, the companies intend to increase living areas in the town centre whilst bringing together developments that are for mixed-use.
READ MORE ON COASTAL TOWN
It will also include a potential public sector hub in the centre of town which will provide health and public services to those living there.
This comes as the historic town hall - called Maison Dieu - is set to reopen following a huge £10.4million restoration.
There is also ongoing construction at a number of sites across the town which includes The Bench Building.
The huge revamp is set to make the property a centre for business, education and for creatives in the area.
Most read in News Travel
Ongoing construction in the town also includes the new-look Market Square.
Nadeem Aziz - who is the Chief Executive of Dover District Council - explained the work will help Dover "realise its full potential as a thriving town centre".
The Dorset Hamlet of Seatown is Overlooked by Brits
He explained: "We know how much potential Dover town centre has and we're already seeing this with projects such as the Maison Dieu and The Bench building.
"But there is so much more it has to offer and this work will help realise its full potential to create a thriving town centre.
"Our residents are at the heart of everything we do, and blending public and private sector investment will create a transformational masterplan to benefit the community."
The developers also gushed about the upcoming projects as they praised the potential opportunities the town will offer.
Stuart Harris is chief executive at Milligan and he exclaimed: "Dover's assets, like its coastline, history, and connectivity, make it a prime location for transformation.
"Working collaboratively with the council and local stakeholders, we will help shape its
next
chapter."
6
6
Over £10million will be ploughed into the area
Credit: Alamy
6
The chief executive of the council wants the town to 'realise its full potential'
Credit: Alamy
6
The Market Square has already been given a new look
Credit: Alamy
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
an hour ago
- The Irish Sun
Over 27 MILLION Brits receive huge mobile upgrade for free as Vodafone and Three announce raft of changes for customers
MILLIONS of Vodafone and Three customers are set for a huge boost to their mobile signal as the newly-merged mega network reveals its £11billion grand plans. A major improvement to services will start for more than seven million users of Three and its budget sub-brand SMARTY in just two weeks time. 2 The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK's biggest mobile network Credit: Alamy 2 Both brands will continue to co-exist - but there are some changes coming Credit: PA Customers will receive a 20 per cent average speed uplift on 4G. And within a few months, 27million mobile subscribers across both Vodafone and Three will benefit from better signal with shared access across both networks at no extra cost, the new joint VodafoneThree firm claims. This will eradicate dreaded "not spots" from 16,500 sq/km of the country – the equivalent to 10x the size of London. VodafoneThree has confirmed that its various brands will remain separate. Read more about mobiles This not only includes Vodafone and Three, but also VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile which piggyback on their network kit. However, Vodafone will be the only brand for business customers. "A new era of connectivity has begun," said Max Taylor, CEO of VodafoneThree. "We will connect every nation, every community, in every corner of the UK. Most read in Tech "We will build the UK's best 5G network with an unprecedented £11bn privately funded infrastructure project, laying the digital foundation for our country's growth ambitions." The network is pledging to bring 99.95 per cent of the population 5G Standalone - the fastest version of 5G speed around - by 2034. Brits will always have mobile phone & internet signal at home after tech breakthrough that beats Elon Musk's Starlink And by this time next year, bosses are planning to launch trials of space-based satellite mobile network coverage too to eliminate even more "not spots". Chancellor BROADBAND SHAKE-UP Changes are afoot for broadband services too. Three's brand will disappear from its mobile broadband over the next 12 months and brought together with Vodafone's Full Fibre, all under the Vodafone name. The firm has announced a new partnership with Community Fibre on top of existing deals with CityFibre and Two extra customer care centres are opening in Vodafone and Three both operate their own stores across the country but the company says it has "no planned retail redundancies". The £16.5billion tie-up makes VodafoneThree the UK's biggest mobile network. WILL PRICES RISE? Analysis by Jamie Harris, Assistant Technology and Science Editor at The Sun All these changes sound pretty exciting - but most customers will be wondering if it will cost them more. VodafoneThree says its mobile network boost comes at "no extra cost". And bosses have insisted as much to get the deal over the line for months. Vodafone's CEO Margherita Della Valle told BBC Radio 4's Today programme in December that the merger would cause "no extra costs from public funding and no extra cost for our customers". The company has had to agree to a number of legally binding commitments to win the approval of the competition regulator CMA. One of those was a cap on "selected mobile tariffs and data plans" for three years. As things stand Vodafone, Three and sub-brands VOXI, SMARTY and Talkmobile, will continue to sell their own mobile products, so it shouldn't result in less choice or competition.
The Irish Sun
7 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Six-drink limit, sandcastles ban & ID check – Little-known Spain hol rules that could cost YOU €3k amid protest chaos
BOOZING on the beach, participating in pub crawl's and strolling shirtless through the streets are popular activities amongst Irish tourists jetting off to relax or party in Spain. But as 6 Building sandcastles may get you in some trouble in some areas Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists have been urged to stay clear of any protests Credit: AP Photo/Emilio Morenatti 6 Walking around without a shirt on could leave you facing a €600 fine (Stock Picture) Credit: Alamy The sunshine spot has been And locals claiming their homes have been turned into playgrounds for tourists has put pressure on the government to set strict rules in place that put a stop to unruly tourist behaviour. The new regulations could affect some of the nearly three million or so Irish punters expected to visit the hotspot this year. And any rule breakers could be hit with whopping fines of up to €3,000. Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink. Public drinking in Llucmajor, Palma, and Magaluf, along with Sant Antoni in Ibiza, is banned - unless it takes place in clearly designated areas approved by authorities. And the rule extends out to sea, covering party boats operating within one nautical mile of those towns. Those who don't follow the law could be hit with a steep fine, which starts at €500 for minor offences but rolls all the way up to €3,000. Tourists have also been warned that alcohol cannot be bought in shops from 9.30pm to 8am in Spain - but bars and clubs can continue selling. Anti-tourist mob attacks holidaymakers with water guns as they vow Spain faces 'long hot summer' of protest carnage Those opting to relax at an all-inclusive resort can continue to expect sea and sunshine but have been warned that alcohol rules will apply there too. All-inclusive guests are subject to a The drinks must also be spaced throughout the day - three in the day and three in the evening. The four main spots affected by these restrictions are , and , Playa de Palma and El Arenal in Here's where you can visit without the six drink restriction: Alcudia, Majorca Cala D'Or, Majorca Cala Bona, Majorca Cala Millor, Majorca Santa Eulalia, Ibiza Es Cana, Ibiza Playa Den Bossa, Ibiza Port Des Torrent, Ibiza Big fines are being imposed on those who try to quaff more than six drinks across the day. People could be fined between €750 and €1,500 if their drinking "disrupts coexistence, involves crowds or deteriorates the tranquillity of the environment". If the offence is considered serious, the fine could range from an eye-watering €1,500 to €3,000. ID PLEASE All tourists and Spanish citizens must carry a state-issued photo ID on their person "at all times". Failure to produce an ID on the spot when asked by the Civil Guard, National, Regional or Local And Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has warned Irish tourists abroad that ignoring direct requests or challenging a police officer may be viewed as "disobedience", which is a criminal offence. The DFA warned that those arrested can't always jet right back home. A spokesperson said: " If you're arrested by the Spanish police at any stage, please ensure that all judicial matters against you are resolved before you leave Spain and that you have paid any fines. " Otherwise, you may be detained when you come back to Spain and you may incur further fines or even a prison sentence ." Sarah Slattery, a former travel agent based in Ireland, also advises Irish sunseekers to prepare ahead by photocopying their ID and passport in case they're stolen while abroad. She said: "It is not something we like to think about, but is it possible that you could be a victim of a crime on holidays, or you could simply loose your passport or other documents. "I suggest photocopying or uploading images of your passport, tickets and insurance policy to the cloud before you travel. "This is an important part of your holiday checklist, and once you have uploaded images of your passport once, they will be there for your next trip." SHIRTLESS STROLL In specific areas of Spain tourists may face a fine for wearing swimwear outside of pool or areas. Going shirtless or donning a bikini while walking in specific public locations is a major no-no in some parts of Spain. And those who take the chance could be stopped by police in the street and slapped with a fine of up to €600. Barcelona, Malaga and Benidorm are known as the spots tourists breaking this rule get caught out the most. BAD BEACH BEHAVIOUR The swimwear rule is not the only new regulation to have been implemented across certain sunshine destination in Spain. In some seaside towns, entering the beach between midnight and 7am can see tourists landed with a fine worth between €750 and €1,200. Swimming when the red flag is flying can cost €1,000. Sleeping or camping on the beach can result in a sickening €1,200 bill while placing a parasol or towel to reserve a space comes with the risk of a possible €150 fine. WHY IS SPAIN CLAMPING DOWN ON TOURISTS? MANY of Spain's most popular tourist destinations have been introducing tighter regulations for tourists as we approach the summer. It's a response to a fierce anti-tourism backlash in Spain. Locals blame tourists for crowded streets, traffic jams, a proliferation of souvenir stalls and generic coffee shops and restaurants and spiralling cost-of-living prices. Anger is also growing over the impact tourism is having on housing, with short-term tourist accommodation driving up the cost of rental properties. The new measures aim to mitigate the issues caused by overtourism and ensure a more sustainable tourism model. Smoking on the beach has a fine of up to €2,000 and alcohol is strictly banned - even when illegal beach vendors are offering it up at cheap prices. And urinating in the sea can get you a fine of €150. In parts of Benidorm and Tenerife, However, according to 'Frank The Stag Man', a travel agent who runs stag and hen dos in Benidorm, the fine does not include children's sandcastles and is aimed towards larger "sand architects ". ALCOHOL & DRUG CONSUMPTION The Irish government has issued warnings to Irish holidaymakers heading off to Spain to party. It said: "Alcoholic spirits are usually sold in significantly larger measures in bars and restaurants in Spain than in Ireland. "Consumption of alcohol in public places, except licensed bars and restaurants, is generally not permitted and may result in a fine. "There have been fatalities involving Irish citizens who have consumed illegal drugs in Spain. "The Spanish authorities take the possession of illegal drugs in any quantity extremely seriously and such activity may result in imprisonment. "The authorities in Mallorca and Ibiza are particularly active in anti-drug law enforcement, and are likely to prosecute in cases of use or possession of drugs." 'STAY CLEAR' OF PROTESTS Multiple cities across Spain are expected to be brought to a standstill on June 15 when locals take to the streets to protest against mass tourism. Representatives of 60 groups in are among those who vowed that the date would mark their biggest protest yet. The demonstration in Palma, Majorca will be held simultaneously with similar marches in Some cities in And the Irish government has warned tourists abroad to "stay clear" of any protest action, amid fears that growing anger over mass tourism could make demonstrators more hateful. The Department of Foreign Affairs said: "Public gatherings and demonstrations can at times take place with little or no warning. "We recommend that you stay clear of demonstrations and follow the advice of the local authorities. "Protests may cause disruption to transport and other services. Be prepared to adjust your travel plans at short notice if necessary, and allow yourself extra time for your journey. "You should also check for travel updates or transport delays before and during your trip to Spain." YOU'RE GETTING TAXED A NUMBER of popular Spanish tourist destinations have a tourist tax in place. Popular regions like Catalonia, the Balearic Islands and Valencia are among those who charge tourists a tax often added to their accomodation bill. However, some hotspots have confirmed that the tax on tourists will be upped this year. In the Balearic Islands, overnight charges may rise depending on the quality of the accommodation. The Balearic Islands include holiday hotspots such as Menorca, Mallorca and Ibiza. Cruise ship passengers visiting the popular region will be hit with a 200 per cent increase in tax. In Barcelona, the tourist tax is set to double per person per night. But children under 16 are exempt in both cases. CAP ON CARS & CARAVANS Ibiza has this month introduced a limit on the number of tourists cars and caravans that can visit the hugely popular holiday island. From June 1 until September 30, the number of vehicles used by non-residents will be capped at 20,168. Only 16,000 of these vehicles will be allowed to be rental cars and the other 4,108 will be for tourists who want to disembark with their cars in Ibiza from the ports of Barcelona, Denia, Valencia, or Palma. And Irish tourists planning on taking a drive to the sunshine spots have been warned vehicles must obtain prior online authorisation first. Those making the journey in caravans must present a confirmed reservation at an authorised campsite on the island to make it through. I biza Island Council President Vicent Marí insisted the island is "not closing the door the door to tourists". He said: We're introducing this limit to guarantee the sustainability of Ibiza. The island cannot withstand uncontrolled tourism flows. "This measure is about protecting the quality of life for residents and the environment. "We are not closing the door to tourists. We are simply inviting them to enjoy our island in a way that is respectful, measured, and future-focused." 6 Irish tourists heading to popular Spanish sunshine spots will now need to be more cautious about how and where they drink (Stock Picture) Credit: Getty Images 6 Thousands took to the streets of Tenerife to protest about mass tourism last month Credit: Getty Images 6 Irish tourists must have a valid ID on their person 'at all times' in Spain Credit: Getty Images - Getty
The Irish Sun
10 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Brits are swapping busy Spain for these three quiet Greek hotspots with £1 pints and secret beaches
AS parts of Spain become more crowded with tourists and prices are rising, Brits are ditching the country in favour of quieter Greek islands. Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations, like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri, according to Greek travel experts Advertisement 9 Growing costs and overcrowding in Spain are pushing holidaymakers to alternative destinations Credit: Alamy 9 Greek destinations like Thassos, Lefkada and Agistri are becoming great alternatives Credit: Alamy 9 The islands are known for being great value for money Credit: Alamy And these destinations don't break the bank. Especially, when drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, for example. Like on islands such as Kalymnos and Agistri, visitors can often find 500ml draught beer or a carafe of house wine priced between €1.50 and €2.50 (£1.30–£2.10). Meze dishes featuring grilled vegetables, fried cheese or seafood can be found for under €5 (£4.24). Advertisement Read more on Greece Places to eat and grab a drink are often family-run, which adds to their charm. A spokesperson for Ionian Island Holidays said: "Many of these tavernas have been in families for generations," "They care more about welcoming guests than maximising profit." Another reason why holidaymakers are heading to Greece over Spain, is for the peaceful coves and quiet beaches. Advertisement Most read in News Travel For example, in Thassos, Marble Beach has white-pebble shores and clear water. Alternatively, in Lefkada, down cascading steps is The adult-only Greek hotel with laid-back DJs and hidden beach In Agistri, Aponisos Beach has shallow water, perfect for families. Whilst many of the beaches across Greece are only reachable via foot or local water taxis, this helps preserve their charm. Advertisement "You won't need to claim a sunbed at 7 a.m.—there's space for everyone," said an Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Undeniably, when on holiday food is a top priority. And in Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost. Seafood dishes like sardines, grilled octopus or calamari can be found for €8–€12 (£7–£10). Advertisement 9 In Greece, the food is fresh, local and often low cost Credit: Alamy 9 Drinks can be found in local tavernas for as low as £1, too Credit: Alamy Or hearty mains such as moussaka or souvlaki typically cost €6–€9 (£5–£8). If you wanted to share, plates (meze) of fava, dolmades, tzatziki or fried courgette often start at just €3 (£2.50). Advertisement Most meals tend to be cooked from scratch using local ingredients. Tavernas will grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and cook with olive oil processed locally. Most meals are made from scratch using local ingredients—many tavernas grow their own herbs, source fish directly from nearby harbours and use olive oil pressed locally. "It's not just cheap—it's authentic. These aren't tourist menus; they're cooking for neighbours , too," added the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Advertisement Typically, Greece also offers better value accommodation and daily costs remain the cheapest in Europe, during off-peak months. For example, double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night. 9 Double rooms in local guesthouses on Thassos or Lefkada cost around £25–£35 per night Credit: Alamy 9 Transport tends to be cheap too with short inter-island ferries costing under €10 (£8.47) Credit: Alamy Advertisement Many properties have kitchenettes too, which is ideal for families wanting to cook their own food. For transport , short inter-island ferries are typically under €10 (£8.47). "Families and couples can enjoy an entire day out, meals included, for the price of a single tourist attraction in other destinations," said the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. Unlike many parts of Spain, Greece has less overcrowding. Advertisement Travellers often report being welcomed into village festivals, outdoor cinemas and local cafés, as well as feeling like part of the community by the end of their stay. "Visitors often say they feel like they're in a real community, not a tourist zone," commented the Ionian Island Holidays spokesperson. 9 The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable as well Credit: Alamy "That authenticity is priceless." Advertisement When it comes to what Brits are actually looking for, natural beauty, value for money and meaningful local experiences repeatedly crop up. The shoulder months including May, June and September, are also becoming more favourable with couples, solo travellers and families seeking calm and affordability. The Ionian Islands Holidays spokesperson said: "Our guests are looking for quality without excess… beautiful views, kind people and good food that doesn't cost a fortune." There is also a Advertisement Plus, 9 Greece also has less overcrowding than Spain Credit: Alamy
