#1
Hi all,
If you haven't seen it already in today's Dover Zeitung on page 14 there's a radical new plan for Dover docks and the seafront which has been created by a Tom Evans (a former alumnus of Dover Grammar apparently, like myself).
Look at his website :
www.re-vision-site.org.uk - I hear that the concrete-worshipping, landfill-loving petrolheads of DHB have said they will comment on his proposals once they have been received (so that's the kiss of death, then).
Tom's plans are good plans and do make sense, where others don't, can't or won't.
Yes, that's right, you read it correctly: 'good plans' for Dover for once...and there's an online forum too at:
http://revision.myfreeforum.org/
Sign up for the future of Dover and let's all get involved!
It's the town's last chance.
Regards,
Andy
http://revision.myfreeforum.org/
http://www.re-vision-site.org.uk/Guest 670- Registered: 23 Apr 2008
- Posts: 573
#2
Just read it Andrew and although I cannot comment on the feasibility of the project it is certainly refreshing to see an entirely different approach.
This is what Dover needs a young man who has a realistic idea of how to re-juvenate this poor old tired town of ours.
What is even more refreshing is that there was no talk of any more war memorials or changing the name to Dovor instead of Dover.
Keep events such as the 40s day in Pencester, that did appeal to young and old alike, the rest of it bury it and let's move forward.
#3
Totally agree Dave.
There's too much triviality bandied around - such as the nonsensical Dover/Dovor 'debate' - while the town falls apart at the seams, economically, physically and socially.
#4
Haven't read today's Zeitung, but I presume this is the same story that was in the Mercury last month.
#5
Having now had a chance to check, I can answer my own question - yes it is!
I have visited the re-vision website and I have to say it's a very interesting piece of work. I'm not sure I can agree with the statement "The port is destroying Dover". If it were not for the port, I think Dover would be in an even worse state. Much of the population's employment is connected with the port. Certainly some of the ideas Tom is putting forward are worthy of further investigation. But then some of the proposals being put forward by the district council and the harbour board are good for the town, too. One of my concerns with DHB's second ferry terminal proposal is the loss of the beach and the Prince of Wales Pier, so Tom's view that the development of the second terminal should be outside the harbour, along the Shakespeare Beach area, while not new, is interesting. The port authorities say that economically any development outside the harbour is a non-starter. But I wish there was an alternative that left the Prince of Wales Pier and that part of the beach as it is.
Guest 648- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 258
#6
I did raise the question re the loss of the beach and The Prince of Wales Pier which brings pleasure to many.Deal has had its pier revamped now a new cafe one begs the question?Both my sons sail and the inner harbour area is slowly being taken away.Many years ago the development was gping to be further to the west.I recall speaking on the radio about it.
DT1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 15 Apr 2008
- Posts: 1,116
#7
It looks like a beautifully presented productive project, although I see it as a conceptual piece that identifies problems rather than a complete solution. It is this kind of project in conjunction with others that should have informed a complete master planning of the town, rather than the pastiche from DDC/DTIZ/DHB and independent contributions (i.e. the Rumney Design for Wellington Dock) that we are offered.
Although I like many of the ambitious elements I personally think there are better ways of addressing the main issues without the complete destruction of Shakespeare Beach, an absolute gem currently severed from the town.
Guest 664- Registered: 23 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,039
#8
Quote right DT1.
What Dover needs is an overarching task force to grapple with its various problems.
The impressive presentation is right to highlight the negative impact of the A20 -choking the town to death in more senses than one.
Solution to that? Focus on developing the Western Docks so traffic turns off before it hits the town proper; put the bit between York Street roundabout and the Eastern Docks in a tunnel; encourage greater use of the A2 corridor by dualling the A2 at last.
Expensive but necessary.
Guest 672- Registered: 3 Jun 2008
- Posts: 2,119
#9
Andrew.
The overarching task force didn't have a clue then and they don't have now, I and my colleagues have talked about a tunnel for over 20 yrs now No one LISTENS.
Your ideas are not new, they have been bandied about for a long time, I even had a solution for Operation Stack..........NO ONE LISTENS
You have to realise. You live in Dover....NO ONE LISTENS
Ian...
grass grows by the inches but dies by the feet.