Following a major multi million pound investment, and two and a half years of amazing upgrades and conservation work, the doors of the Maison Dieu opened to the public on 10 May.

Visitors have been enjoying the chance to see the fantastic restoration work, with more than 2,000 people coming in over the opening weekend. 

This £10m project has been funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and DDC, Dover Town Council, The Dover Society and the Wolfson Foundation. Keep an eye out for a whole range of events ahead - stay informed with our email alert service Keep Me Posted.   

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This summer is set to be packed full of exciting events for all the family, with a host of music, food, culture, heritage, and plenty of fun on your doorstep.  

Thanks to all the district's brilliant event organisers and venues, you'll be spoilt for choice across Dover, Deal and Sandwich and the surrounding areas. 

For all the latest news on events,  see the What's On listings on the White Cliffs Country website.

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The Roman Painted House has reopened its doors to the public following its routine closure over the winter months.

The attraction reopened for the Easter weekend, and was open for the school holidays last week, and will now be open Saturdays until the end of September.  Check the website for details of opening times during the summer holidays.

In early 2024, a range of works were carried out to make the attraction compliant and safe. Entry to the Roman Painted House is free, and guided educational visits and group tours are available to book at a small charge.

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With National Volunteers' Week this week, we are reminding local community groups looking for funding to apply to DDC’s Community Grants Scheme.

The popular grants scheme has returned and is set to provide £50,000 in a summer round of funding to help local community groups deliver vital projects for the area.  

Community groups that benefit the local area can apply for grants of between £100-£5,000 in this latest round of funding.  The deadline for applications is 11 June 2025.

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A project helping to bring more opportunities to children and young people in the district is set to relaunch on Monday 9 June after receiving an £85k funding boost.

The Inspire Project, launched in 2016, has already helped more than 2,500 young people by offering a range of funded activities. 

Now, thanks to funding from Arts Council England, Sport England and the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, Inspire is relaunching, offering further opportunities to young people who might otherwise miss out.

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Exciting plans for the multi million pound Deal Leisure Centre continue to move forward.

In May, DDC’s Cabinet gave the go ahead to bring forward the demolition of the Tides Leisure Centre pool building. 

This follows a range of key decisions, including the green light in January for this major investment to proceed to the next stage of delivery, with a project including a six-lane pool, gym, health and fitness studios, fun inflatable sessions and a toddler splash pad.

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New-look play areas are up and running following an exciting range of renovations totalling around £180k for play areas in Dover District. 

A series of renovations has taken place at the Travers Road play area in Deal, the Marke Wood play area in Walmer and the Bulwarks play area in Sandwich (pictured).

The new-look facilities were reopened in May.

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New affordable homes that will help people get their foot on the property ladder have been added to DDC’s housing stock. 

DDC has acquired five three-bed homes from the new Sholden Pastures development off Sandwich Road in Sholden near Deal, and these have been made available to people through the council’s shared ownership scheme.   

The council has also acquired two four-bed properties at the Sholden site to be let at affordable rent. 

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Councils in Kent and Medway have received a response from Government on interim proposals to replace the current system of local government.

The feedback acknowledged positive partnership working by the 12 borough and district councils, Medway Council and KCC to shape high-quality and sustainable services that best respond to the needs of residents and provide better value for money. 

Government welcomed the initial thinking on the options for Local Government Reorganisation (LGR) in Kent and Medway, recognising that proposals are at an early stage and further analysis is planned in the run-up to final submissions in the autumn.

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