It brings together a range of services including the town’s library and registration services, adult education, Museum Education Room and Local Studies Resource Centre, and children’s early help and social care all under one roof. The centre has been redesigned to provide a more modern, accessible and welcoming environment for the community.
The transformation is part of a two-year Kent County Council (KCC) led project, working with Dover District Council, to create a community hub for the town’s residents, supporting the regeneration of Dover Town Centre and making public services easier to access in one central location.
The refurbishment of the Discovery Centre represents more than £7 million of direct investment by KCC and more than £500,000 by Dover District Council into the key town centre facility. As well as improving public access to KCC and partner services, the project has addressed several significant building condition issues, ensuring the centre is fit for purpose and future-proofed for the community it serves.
The upgraded centre includes:
- a refreshed library, a birth and death registration space with new furniture and layout
- adult education courses, including those previously delivered at The Well Resource Centre and Deal Adult Education Centre
- Integrated Children's Services (Dover district)
- a new Community Day Services Hub supporting individuals with learning disabilities, including an onsite café run by those attending the hub as part of the Good Day Programme
- improved access to local history through a new education room and new Local Studies Resource Centre - operated by Dover District Council's Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery
- Discovery Clinic, providing sexual health services.
“The new space is brighter, better laid out and more welcoming – whether you’re coming in to borrow a book, study, or take part in a local activity.”
Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services, said: “It’s good to see the library returning to the Discovery Centre. The new space is brighter, better laid out and more welcoming – whether you’re coming in to borrow a book, study, or take part in a local activity. This is a real improvement that makes the library and other services easier to use and a real destination point for Dover.”
The move also marks the closure of the Adult Education Centre in Deal, as part of a county-wide redesign of adult education following changes to government funding and priorities. Courses focused on employability and skills for work will now be delivered from the Discovery Centre and other community venues.
“By moving our courses into the Discovery Centre, we’re making it easier for learners to access high-quality teaching in a modern, welcoming space that also connects them with other community services.”
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet Member for Education and Skills, said: “Adult education plays a vital role in helping people build confidence, gain new skills and take steps towards employment or further learning. By moving our courses into the Discovery Centre, we’re making it easier for learners to access high-quality teaching in a modern, welcoming space that also connects them with other community services. It’s a positive step forward for adult education in Dover.”
Kevin Mills, The Leader of Dover District Council, said: “This is the culmination of two years of work and is fantastic news for Dover and the wider district. We’re proud to welcome over £7.5 million of investment into Dover Town Centre, which will help create a more modern, inclusive and welcoming Discovery Centre for everyone in our community.
"The addition of a new Education Room and a dedicated Local Studies Resource Centre for Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery is a major step forward. These improvements will strengthen our commitment to learning, engagement and heritage; and we’re excited to work together with partners, groups and residents to bring these opportunities to life.”
Reception staff will be on hand to deliver Gateway services, including signposting and helping members of the public, providing a welcoming and supportive first point of contact.
The temporary library at Dover Gateway closed at the end of the day on Saturday 11 October to allow staff time to move into the newly refurbished Discovery Centre. Staff look forward to welcoming customers to the new-look centre from Monday.
Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery is currently open to the public, free of charge, Monday to Saturday between the hours of 9L30am to 5pm (winter season). Operated by Dover District Council, the Museum is home to the world’s oldest surviving seagoing boat – The Dover Bronze Age Boat.
Please check with individual services for their specific reopening dates and opening times within the Discovery Centre.
