Dover District Council (DDC) is to take back day-to-day management of the Maison Dieu in Dover from 1 February 2021 having reached agreement with the current operator, Your Leisure (Kent) Ltd.
The Maison Dieu is owned by DDC and the decision to bring management of the building back in-house is part of an ambitious £9.1m restoration plan that will transform the Grade I Listed building as a cultural and community venue.
DDC has secured funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Wolfson Foundation, Dover Society, and Dover Town Council for the project, which includes the restoration of internationally significant decorative schemes by the renowned Victorian neo-Gothic architect, William Burges, and a new street-level visitor entrance to the Connaught Hall, along with improved access throughout the building.
The project also aims to create a sustainable future for the Maison Dieu by bringing redundant spaces back into commercial use, including restoring the Mayor’s Parlour as a holiday let in conjunction with The Landmark Trust, and a unique new café in the space once occupied by Victorian gaol cells.
The Maison Dieu is expected to close for two years from autumn 2021 with a planned re-opening in 2023. It is hoped that members of the public will be able to visit the building for planned events to allow them to see the restoration progress and craftspeople at work.
The Maison Dieu is currently closed due to the Covid-19 restrictions. The Council will review the potential for a brief re-opening for events in spring/summer 2021 should the restrictions be lifted.
Cllr Oliver Richardson, cabinet member for environment and corporate property, said: “We’d like to thank Your Leisure for their stewardship of the Maison Dieu in recent years. With the exciting restoration plans fully funded, now is an opportune time to take back day-to-day management of the venue.
“The project team is currently working on the detailed designs for the restoration, and we’ll be launching our activity plan in the New Year with opportunities for local people to get involved.”
Kevin Fordham, managing director of Your Leisure, said: “Your Leisure has enjoyed the opportunity to manage Maison Dieu on behalf of Dover District Council. During our tenure we have accommodated so many events and functions and the customer and colleague support has been very much appreciated. It is fantastic news that Maison Dieu will benefit from substantial investment and we wish the venue every success in the future.”
Posted on 17 December 2020