FI17172

Request

  1. Why has the Council not provided any information about the crypt site, which is very historic and listed at this above location, either in the subway tunnel or on the hoardings/boardings surrounding the actual crypt site?
  2. Has the Council considered providing such information about this site at its location and if no, why was it decided not to include any?
  3. If the Council has not considered providing information why is this so, as its a historic important site?
  4. Regarding commemorating the crypt site has the Council consulted with interested parties for example the Crypt Memorial Group, who arranged the plaque in the subway in 2019 about the future of the crypt site?
  5. What criteria was used in deciding what information to include on the hoardings/boardings surrounding the crypt site?
  6. Why was information about the crypt site not included?

Response

  1. As part of the Underpass Renovation Project the Council undertook engagement with the public about non-evasive enhancements to the underpass. The theme that the majority of the public choose was the ‘Time Tunnel’. The theme has been designed to celebrate Dover’s unique history whilst helping visitors and residents to way find to the town’s amazing attractions.
  2. As part of the Underpass Renovation project the existing Crypt memorial plaque was reconditioned and replaced as part of the project.
  3. The theme of the renovation of the underpass was designed to be a celebration of Dover’s history and is a positive retelling of events in the town. The decision was taken not to highlight any of the sad events that have occurred in the town’s history to keep the emphasis on positive things and in line with findings from the public engagement exercise.
  4. If and when the Crypt site is developed or becomes part of a future regeneration project the Council will engage with all relevant stakeholders about the site’s development. This will include the Crypt Memorial Group.
  5. As part of the Dover Beacon Project a community artwork competition was held with local schools and in conjunction with Dover smART project. The children created artwork with a local artist within the theme of Dover from Above. This artwork was displayed on the hoarding surrounding the Dover Beacon site and has now been repositioned on the hoarding on the opposite side of Bench Street.  Other hoarding design has been created in-house by the Council.
  6. Please see answer to question 3.