OBJECTIVES OF SANDWICH TOWN COUNCIL
FOR LONG TERM DEVELOPMENT OF THE TOWN AND CINQUE PORT OF SANDWICH

Objective 1 - To strengthen and diversify the local economy

Business Centre: There is a need for a Business Centre and Conference facilities in Sandwich. As Stonar House is no longer available the old Eastry RDC building is considered ideal for this purpose. Pfizer should be approached and made aware that the Town Council would like early warning if they consider relinquishing the building in the future.

Objective 2 - Enhancing Sandwich's appeal to visitors and residents

(a) Opening up the Gazen Salts area i) Pfizer Monks Wall Nature Reserve The Reserve is in place and open to the public. The provision of a bridge from Gazen Salts to the Nature Reserve remains a long term objective

ii) Craft Centre One building has now been offered to the Gazen Salts Nature Reserve for development in connection with the Reserve, which is welcomed. It would be useful to retain the Empire Antiques Building but the remainder of the buildings need to be demolished and the area used to provide essential car parking for St Mary's Church project and local residents.

(b) Stonar Lake watersports centre Some limited windsurfing and allied water sports activities currently take place on the lake. The development of the lake as a watersports area remains an objective of the Council.

(c) Walking, cycling and horseriding networks Much progress has been made on the network and the Council will continue to support further works.

(d) St Mary's Church events venue The Council supports the St Mary's Trust in its plans to develop St Mary's Church for performing arts and sees the provision of the Gazen Salts Car Park as essential to this project.

(e) Marketing Sandwich This is happening and is ongoing. Target market is day visitors, short break family visitors and overseas visitors. There is a need for middle market hotel/motel accommodation. Rose Nursery, Dover Road could offer a suitable site for motel type accommodation.

Objective 3 - Revitalising the town centre

(a) Quayside development Enhancement of the Quay is a major objective. It is proposed that 2/3 rows of car parking spaces be cleared adjacent to the riverside to provide an area for visitors to sit and walk safely. The Kerb along the Quay raised to prevent flooding. The toilets relocated to the grasscrete area. The lighting upgraded. The locating of the Sandwich Sailing Club Barge adjoining the slipway is seen as an asset for visiting yachtsmen. The proposed chandlery over the existing toilets is considered to be in the wrong place, a site on the opposite side of the river would be more suitable (i.e. in vicinity of Riverbus mooring).

(b) Traffic management & environmental improvements The introduction of a 20 mph limit has been achieved but its affects need to be assessed. It is hoped that new car/coach parking facilities can still be achieved just to the north of the town on land currently owned by RAMAC Holdings Ltd which will offer opportunities to reduce car parking on the Quayside area and would open up the heart of the town centre as an attractive and pleasing area for visitors and residents. Other potential parking schemes need to be investigated (for example, the former Kent County Council Depot at Ash Road)

Objective 4 - Youth Projects

The Town Council would support initiatives to:

(a) modernise and update the present Youth Club at Jubilee Road and for the employment of a full time youth worker;

(b) provide a Coffee Shop/Drop In Centre in the centre of Sandwich for the 15 to 18 year olds;

(c) provision of a roller blading facility on land adjoining the Pioneer Store car park, and

(d) the reestablishment of a Football Club with appropriate facilities at its ground off Woodnesborough Road.

CONCLUSION

To carry forward these Objectives for the benefit of residents, visitors and business, the Town Council wishes to work in partnership with both Dover District and Kent County Councils, local business and local voluntary and community groups.