Guildhall Square in Sandwich Photo: DDC
Work to transform the Guildhall Square in Sandwich, to provide a welcoming space for everyone’s use and enjoyment, starts on 12 September following the appointment of Walker Construction as contractor for the highways work.
The project includes highway improvements and resurfacing along with new public realm such as improved seating, tree planting and lighting.
The planned work has been part-funded by The R&A as part of The Open legacy, alongside additional investment from Kent County Council, Dover District Council, Sandwich Town Council, Prince’s Golf Club and Discovery Park. The plans were developed in collaboration with the local community through a series of consultation events.
The highways work is expected to take eight weeks with the full project due for completion by Spring 2023.
Disruption will be kept to a minimum with access maintained for local businesses. The Guildhall Square will remain open to pedestrians as much as possible.
No Name Street will be closed for eight weeks so that it can be used as a contractor compound for the highways work. Up to a week of overnight closures at Cattle Market will take place for resurfacing at the end of the highway works. A layby will be created in No Name Street (where it meets Delf Street) for deliveries to Market Street.
The Thursday morning market will relocate at the end of October/beginning of November from the Square to the car park located behind the Guildhall.
Al fresco dining
Cllr Oliver Richardson, DDC portfolio holder for corporate property, said: “We are pleased that the improvements to the Guildhall Square in Sandwich are coming to fruition. This project will be a wonderful asset for Sandwich, helping to build on its reputation for staged events, as well as providing the local community with a more welcoming space to enjoy al fresco dining and entertainment. We ask businesses and residents to bear with us as we improve this valued space for everyone to enjoy for many years to come.”
Residents can keep updated on the project by signing up to ‘Sandwich Projects’ on Dover District Council’s Keep Me Posted email bulletin service and the Council’s website. Information will also be posted on the Council’s Facebook and Twitter social media pages and leaflets about the project will be available in the Guildhall.