FI16808

Request

  1. Who was contracted to undertake the artwork/displays recently done in 2025? 
  2. Did the work go out to tender?  If yes, please provide details of tenders submitted. 
  3. Why was the contractor chosen, for example on price? 
  4. What was the total cost of the artwork/displays in the underpass? 
  5. Why was no information/pictures of the “crypt” and the “crypt restaurant” which is at this exact location included in these displays?  The ‘crypt’ is historic and the fire in 1977 one of the worst since World War 2.

Response

  1. The artwork was created internally by Dover District Council. 
  2. Only the construction work was tendered, and this was done via the Kent Business Portal in line with Council's procurement requirements. 
  3. The contractor was chosen in line with tender process and criteria of quality and value. 
  4. The Council does not hold the individual item cost breakdowns for just the artwork/display panels as this was done internally.  There were construction works and surfacing included in the overall work and this information is on the Council's website at https://www.dover.gov.uk/Planning/Regeneration/Townwall-Street-Underpass-Improvement-Project.aspx.
  5. The theme of the underpass design work was the 'Time Tunnel' which was voted as the favourite option when the Council carried out the engagement work for the project. Information about that can be found via the link provided in response to question 4.  The design did not focus on the topic of the crypt in the new images, however the memorial plaque was carefully cleaned and restored as part of the project and reinstated in its original location.