Plans for a cafe extension have been proposed at Kearsney Abbey and Russell Gardens.

The listed building, formerly Kearsney Manor, has been standing since before the First World War.

Decades later, after the Second World War, it was discovered that it had an advanced level of rot, which later led to part of it being demolished.

The remains were used as a cafe, which still serves park-goers today.

This week, proposals have been put forward for approval so that the Grade II listed building can undergo renovation and a single-storey extension.

It also includes a new public bridge over the river.

It is part of a wider redevelopment of the parks, which is funded by a £3.3m grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Big Lottery Fund’s Parks for People programme

The project also hopes to encourage apprentices, who will also have the chance to learn about Dover’s history.

This will be part of a formal education programme that will teach people about the ecology and biodiversity of the parks.