A multi-million pound landmark development in Dover officially opened yesterday.

The Bench building has been officially launched, bringing a state-of-the-art education, creative arts and business centre to Bench Street just off the Market Square, in the heart of the town.

The Bench building, as part of the transformational Dover Beacon project, represents a major investment in Dover and the district’s future, creating opportunities for local people to learn, work, create and connect.

• More on regeneration

An exciting new-look play area has swung into action for Kearsney Abbey – with the official opening of a new £155k facility.

The area opened this summer and includes a stand-out multiplay unit, with a variety of features including slides, tunnels, fireman’s pole, climbing walls and net seating. 

As we continue to work with the local community to enhance play areas for the future, we're also currently consulting on plans to renovate Elms Vale Play Area in Dover and your views are sought. The consultation runs until 17 September.

• More on play areas

Excellent progress continues to be made on the construction of the new Deal Leisure Centre, which is due to be completed before the end of 2027.

Work is also due to start this autumn on a new boardwalk on Walmer beach, following consultation with Walmer and Deal Town Councils and local accessibility groups. In January, DDC set aside a budget of £50k for works on the platform.

Following a diving survey in May, the second phase of a major programme of works to protect Deal Pier for future generations has now been set for next spring.

• More on leisure facilities

A fantastic range of events and activities continue to be held across Dover, Deal, Sandwich and the surrounding area, with a whole host of great things to see and do.

Events in White Cliffs Country this autumn include Heritage Open Days from 11-20 September, the White Cliffs Walking Festival from 3-10 October, and Dover's Market Square Live sessions.

A range of events this summer included the return of the Dino Day, which was a roaring success at Pencester Gardens in Dover (pictured).

• Events in White Cliffs Country

Community groups in the district were given a summer boost with a total of £50k awarded to 48 different groups as part of DDC’s Community Grants Scheme.

This will be followed by another round of funding in the winter months, when a further £50k will be available for local groups.

The popular grants scheme allocates funding to help local community groups deliver vital projects for the area.

• More on community funding

With all the colours of autumn approaching, DDC is welcoming news that parks and green spaces in the district have been named among the country’s best.

Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens, as well as Samphire Hoe and Fort Burgoyne received Green Flag awards this summer.

Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens have met the quality standard every year since completion of the £3.1m Parks for People project in 2021.

• More on Kearsney Parks

An exhibition marking the 100th anniversary of Gertrude Ederle's historic achievement as the first woman to swim the English Channel has opened at Dover Museum - with the swimmer's family attending a special preview event.

A century after Ederle’s remarkable crossing in 1926, this exhibition celebrates her courage, determination and enduring influence on women’s sport and the history of open-water swimming.

The exhibition runs until 7 November 2026.

• More on Dover Museum

We’re in the process of contacting all households to make sure that the electoral register is up to date.

Forms - and emails where possible – are being delivered between 13 July and 19 October 2026.

When you receive your notification, just follow the instructions and ensure you are registered and ready to vote.

• More on elections

As of 7 September 2026, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) has paused Local Government Reorganisation for Kent to review the programme.

For all the latest information, please see the LGR pages on the DDC website or sign up for the latest updates through our Keep Me Posted service.

• Local Government Reorganisation