At its meeting last night, Dover District Council agreed its 25/26 budget.

DDC agreed that the district council part of the Council Tax bill for a Band D property will increase by 2.98%.

An exciting programme of investment ahead includes major projects like the multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre development (see below), the groundbreaking Dover Beacon project, (see picture), and the exciting restoration of Dover Maison Dieu, (which is now nearing completion). 

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With Kent County Council elections on the way on Thursday 1 May, we’re reminding people they need to be registered to vote by Friday 11 April, and of the various ways they can cast their vote and how they can stand for election.

For more information on elections, including voting by post, voting at a poll station, free voter ID, or if you’re thinking of standing for election, please see DDC Elections pages. 

For more information, please contact the team at vote@dover.gov.uk or call the helpline on 01304 872344.

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Work is set to start on the next stage of development for the exciting £20m Deal Leisure Centre. Proposals include a six lane 25m pool with varied depth and flexible use for inflatable family fun, a toddler splash pad, and a large gym with a range of new health & fitness studios.

DDC has announced that Your Leisure has been approved as interim operator, allowing Tides Sports Hall and Indoor Tennis Centre to remain open while work progresses. Your Leisure will be offering a programme of continued activities supporting members, clubs, and group exercise classes alongside a continued alternative gym offering. 

DDC's Cabinet agreed to start a competitive tendering process for a future operator for Deal Leisure Centre to begin long-term operations from 1 April 2026 for dryside facilities, and summer 2027 for full opening.

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Dover at Night is back - with a whole range of venues taking part in the event, which is set to shine in the town tomorrow.  

Following the success of last year's launch event, over 20 community groups and organisations have come together to offer a variety of fun and free activities for everyone. The rare chalk stream of the River Dour is this year’s central theme.

Taking place in Dover town centre on Friday (7 Mar) from 5pm-9pm, it promises to be a fun evening with an action-packed programme of art and craft activities, storytelling, conservation-in-action, digital projections, music, dance and drama.

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A free, fun-packed festival designed especially for young people aged 11-18 is taking place at Pencester Gardens in Dover from 12 noon to 6pm on Saturday 29 March. 

IMPACT Fest promises a whole range of entertainment, activities and workshops, with live music, dance shows and the chance to win prizes. 

The festival, put together by DCC with support from KCC, is funded by the Kent Police & Crime Commissioner, DDC, KCC’s Family Hub, and other local partners.  

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DDC continues to work hard to provide new affordable housing in the district.

We have welcomed tenants into brand new council homes in Wingfield Place in Deal. The 48 affordable properties were bought by DDC with the support of Homes England funding and developer contributions. 

Work has also begun to transform council-owned land on Military Road in Dover into eight new affordable homes, which will be let to local people at social rents. 

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Renovations totalling almost £180k are set to swing into action for three play areas in Dover District – with works set to start this spring, for the new-look areas to be up and running for the summer holidays. 

The three play areas set for redevelopment are Marke Wood Play Area in Walmer, the Bulwarks Play Area in Sandwich (pictured) and Travers Road Play Area in Deal. 

This follows exciting news that the Kearsney Abbey Play Area will also be undergoing a major redevelopment during 2026.

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DDC is supporting the Great British Spring Clean again this year, with a range of events set for the campaign, which takes place from 21 March to 6 April.

We will be hosting a number of pop-up litter picking events across the district. Just one bag makes a big difference! 

We are also set to launch the return of our popular environmental awards scheme, the REACH awards.  For all the latest details, please see our GBSC pages. 

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