Latest news with #MaisonDieu
BBC News
13-05-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Maison Dieu Hall in Dover reopens after £10.5m refurbishment
Dover's Maison Dieu hall has reopened after a two-year refurbishment which cost £ building, which is Dover's town hall, is now permanently open to the public for the first time in its 800-year now features touch screen interactive displays, films and audio points to explain its history to visitors, with restoration work also carried out on some of its original District Council is hoping the work will bring in revenue, with previously unused parts of the building now available to hire out for functions and the former mayor's parlour now being used as a holiday let. The work was paid for by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and means the building is now fully accessible, with a street-level entrance and lift on Biggin executive of Dover District Council Nadeem Aziz said: "The Maison Dieu holds so many special memories for our residents and is a restoration project that we know has been long awaited by our community."We're really looking forward to seeing everyone enjoying this magnificent building and what it has to offer as it becomes the heart of Dover once again." Selina Papa, from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: "We believe that heritage has a huge role to play in our communities, bringing people together and creating pride in place that in turn delivers wider economic benefits."The restored Maison Dieu is a great example of this and will shine a light on Dover town centre for residents and visitors for years to come."
The Sun
25-04-2025
- Business
- The Sun
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. 5 5 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. 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. 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." 5 5 5
Yahoo
13-03-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Town hall restored ahead of historic opening
Restoration of a historic town hall in Kent has been completed as part of a £10.5m project which took two-and-a-half years. Coniston, the main contractor for the Maison Dieu project in Dover, has handed the site back to the council after completing the upgrades, restoration and conservation of the building. In May, the Maison Dieu will be permanently open to the public for the first time in its 800-year history. Kevin Mills, Dover District Council's (DDC) leader, said: "This is the council's biggest restoration project to date, and the amount of work by all those involved is quite simply staggering." The Maison Dieu was founded as a place for poor pilgrims to stay the night. It later became a victualling yard, making ship's biscuits and beer for the Royal Navy. Since the late 1830s it has been Dover's Town Hall. DDC said the project created a sustainable future for the Maison Dieu by bringing redundant spaces back into commercial use and creating a new cafe. The renovation of the Grade I Listed-site has also seen a new street-level visitor entrance to the Connaught Hall installed along with improved access throughout the building. Mills said: "Come May, the Maison Dieu will once again be the heartbeat of Dover, playing a central role in the future of the town as a leading heritage and cultural centre in Kent." The council said guided tours would be offered and events would be hosted in the site. The project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund along with DDC, Dover Town Council, The Dover Society and The Wolfson Foundation. Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@ or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. Town hall restoration aims to reawaken Gothic glory Dover to be illuminated for new community event Coniston Maison Dieu Dover District Council The National Lottery Dover Town Council The Dover Society The Wolfson Foundation
