The improved centre will offer library, registration and education services
16:17, 22 Oct 2025
An exact date has now been confirmed for the re-opening of Dover’s revamped Discovery Centre, which coincides with the closure of a Kent adult education centre. Kent County Council (KCC) has announced the Dover Discovery Centre, located in a newly refurbished space next to Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery and the district’s Visitor Information Centre, will open its doors on Monday (October 27).
This improved facility will house a range of services for the local community including a library, registration services, adult education courses, a museum education room and local studies resource centre, and children’s early help and social care. The re-opening coincides with closure of Deal’s Adult Education Centre, which comes as part of a county-wide restructuring of adult education following changes to government funding and priorities.
As part of the redesign, KCC recently confirmed the adult education centre in Gravesend will be relocated as the site has been deemed “too big” for its purpose. The transformation of the Dover site is the result of a two-year collaboration between KCC and Dover District Council (DDC), with the refurbishment representing an investment of £7 million from KCC and £500,000 from DDC.
During the renovation, several significant building condition issues were addressed, ensuring the property is fit for purpose. Paul Webb, KCC’s Cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: “It’s good to see the library returning to the Discovery Centre.
“The new space is brighter, better laid out and more welcoming – whether you’re coming in to borrow a book, study, or take part in a local activity. This is a real improvement that makes the library and other services easier to use and a real destination point for Dover.”
Once Deal Adult Education Centre is closed, courses for employability and skills for work will be delivered from the Dover Discovery Centre and other community venues. The temporary library at Dover Gateway closed at the end of the day on Saturday, October 11 to allow staff time to move into the refurbished Discovery Centre.
Beverley Fordham, KCC’s Cabinet member for education and skills, said: “Adult education plays a vital role in helping people build confidence, gain new skills and take steps towards employment or further learning. By moving our courses into the Discovery Centre, we’re making it easier for learners to access high-quality teaching in a modern, welcoming space that also connects them with other community services. It’s a positive step forward for adult education in Dover.”
Kevin Mills, leader of DDC, added: “This is the culmination of two years of work and is fantastic news for Dover and the wider district. We’re proud to welcome over £7.5m of investment into Dover town centre, which will help create a more modern, inclusive and welcoming Discovery Centre for everyone in our community.
"The addition of a new education room and a dedicated local studies resource centre for Dover Museum and Bronze Age Boat Gallery is a major step forward. These improvements will strengthen our commitment to learning, engagement and heritage; and we’re excited to work together with partners, groups and residents to bring these opportunities to life.”
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