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Plans for site of former Images nightclub and Granada Cinema, Castle Street, Dover

A public consultation takes place to replace a former cinema and nightclub.

A proposed mixed-use residential and commercial scheme is planned for the site, which had the Images nightspot, in Castle Street, Dover.

The plans go on show at Dover Library from 11am to 7.30pm.

Artist's impression of the replacement building at Castle Street. Picture courtesy of Dover Heritage and Regeneration Ltd
Artist's impression of the replacement building at Castle Street. Picture courtesy of Dover Heritage and Regeneration Ltd

Details have also been circulated by the developer, Dover Heritage & Regeneration Ltd, to local residents and businesses.

The exhibition will give local people the opportunity to see the proposals and discuss the plans with members of the development team.

A spokesman for DHR said: “The development will replace the vacant site with an exceptionally designed building comprising a high quality residential mixed-use development with commercial space over two floors.”

The site is close to the £53 million St James’ retail and leisure development, which is due to open early next year.

The original building, the closed Snoops club, May 2007
The original building, the closed Snoops club, May 2007

The previous building, demolished in 2014, was originally constructed in 1929 and opened as the Granada Cinema on January 8, 1930.

It became another target of Nazi attacks during the Second World War.

The building was shaken by a dropped bomb that landed 20 yards away on March 23, 1942 and on September 6 that year it was struck by a shell, causing severe structural damage.

After repairs it was struck again, on September 3, 1944, by heaving shelling and again badly damaged.

During the 1950s television already began taking away cinema audiences so the Granada was also used as for bands.

It was renamed the ABC in March 1960 and had a personal appearance by Cliff Richard.

The cinema finally closed on October 30, 1982 one of many around that time by TV finally conquering audience interest.

The building opened as the Images nighclub in 1985, later renamed Snoops, and closed on August 31, 2002.

The premises were bought by the JD Wetherspoon pub chain in 2003 and sold to DHR in 2012.

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