A town’s library has reopened in its revamped home following a multimillion-pound renovation project.

Following two years of works, the Dover Discovery Centre welcomed visitors back for the first time yesterday (Monday).

The new-look centre, in Market Square, is home to the town’s library, registration services and adult education.

While the library is already back open, the other services are due to follow shortly.

The centre, in Market Square, has been redesigned to provide a more modern, accessible and welcoming environment for the community.

The transformation is part of a two-year Kent County Council (KCC) led project, working with Dover District Council, supporting the regeneration of Dover town centre and making public services easier to access in one central location.

The refurbishment was a result of £7 million of direct investment by KCC and more than £500,000 by Dover District Council (DDC) and includes a refreshed library, and birth and death registration space, with new furniture and layout, adult education courses, integrated children’s services and a new community day services hub supporting individuals with learning disabilities, including an on-site café run by those attending the hub.

There is also improved access to local history through a new education room and a new local studies resource centre, operated by DDC’s neighbouring Dover Museum & Bronze Age Boat Gallery.

Paul Webb, KCC’s cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: “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.”

The move also marks the closure of the Adult Education Centre in Deal, as part of a county-wide redesign of adult education following changes to government funding and priorities.

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.”

Cllr Kevin Mills, leader of Dover District Council, said: “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 £7.5 million of investment into Dover town centre, which will help create a more modern, inclusive and welcoming Discovery Centre for everyone in our community.”

Dover Discovery Centre closed for the refurbishment in October 2023 and the library was moved to the Dover Gateway building in Castle Street.

That closed on October 11 to allow staff time to move back to the Discovery Centre.

People can check with individual services for their specific reopening dates and opening times within the Discovery Centre.