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14 Bench Street
Dover
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Photo above and below by Paul Skelton 31 December 2007.
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Above photo 2019. |
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From the Dover Express, 1 June 2006. Report by Adam Scillitoe.
Funky Monkey enter pub jungle.
 THE owner of a new bar in Dover believes it will finally give residents
'everything they could ever wish for' in a pub. Funky Monkey, in Bench
Street, opens tomorrow and promises a modem design with great music and
live football.
Owner Nathan Sutton, said he felt Dover's pubs and bars were missing
something.
The 28-year-old said:
"There are a few bars in the town but there are not really enough. We
feel that Funky Monkey will make the town thrive even more.
"We were
throwing a few names around and Funky
Monkey was just one that stuck. It's such a great name and people are
certain to remember it!
"We are really looking forward to it and it's
going to be a great challenge. I've been managing bars and pubs now for
nearly nine years so I've got a fair bit of experience.
"It should be
quite a relaxed pub and is mainly aimed at the 18 to 35 age group.
"It
will give residents a different option on their night out."
Mr Sutton,
who was born and raised in Dover, said they had a few interesting
gimmicks up their sleeve.
He said: "As well as showing all the World
Cup games, we will also be having a BAR footsie night on Friday, June 9.
"It should be quite intriguing and the prices will be like the stock
market. The prices will go up and down depending on how well the drinks
sell.
"We'll also be doing cocktail nights where you can buy two
cocktails from our menu for only £4."
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From the Dover Express, 28 October 2008.
Report by Adam Westgarth
DRINK THIEF TURNED NASTY OUTSIDE.
A HARD-up Dover delivery driver stole drinks from a pair of clubbers
before chasing one down the street to beat him.
Roy Prior of Maison Dieu Place had been drinking in The "Funky Monkey"
club in Bench Street when he tried to steal bottled drinks from two
customers.
The 40-year-old was asked to stop by the drinkers but he became
aggressive and challenged them to a fight.
He attacked one of the men just outside the bar before chasing the
second along Townwall Street. Outside the "County Hotel" he rained down
several punches and
kicks before walking away. He was later picked up by a patrol car.
Appearing at Folkestone Magistrates' Court last Thursday in a black
shirt, black jeans and silver trainers, shaven-headed Prior pleaded
guilty to assault.
Prosecuting, Gemma Webb said: “At 12.45am on Thursday, May 29 it is
alleged that the defendant assaulted two men who he stole drinks from.
“He asked them both if they wanted to fight about it but they declined
and decided to leave the establishment.
“It is then when Mr Prior hit one of them and chased the other before
attacking him.”
Defending, Nigel Numas said: “He fully admits his actions were totally
unacceptable and he has shown remorse.
“Mr Prior has pleaded guilty, partly to spare his victims the trauma of
having to appear in court to give evidence.
“This incident is not an example of my client's usual behaviour.”
Magistrates' chairman Ann Barnes ordered Prior to complete 250 hours of
unpaid work, pay £100 to each of his victims in compensation and £60
court costs.
Passing sentence she said: “I am very concerned by this particularly
nasty incident.
“Two innocent men were violently attacked for no reason and it is
because you have pleaded guilty and the fact that your victims sustained
only minor injuries that you have escaped jail.
“You are a very lucky man, Mr Prior.”
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From the website
www.thisiskent.co.uk. Thursday,
May 14, 2009.
DOVER KNIFE ATTACKER JAILED FOR LIFE.
A THUG who launched a vicious knife attack on a Dover dad-of-one has
been jailed for life.
Evil William Wilson, 28, of St Leonards-on-Sea, stabbed 24-year-old
Mike Brankley 20 times leaving him with a 17cm slash from his hairline
to his top lip and a punctured bowel.
The attack, at 2am on July 30 last year, came after Wilson had met
dump-truck driver Mr Brankley and his friends for the first time in the
Funky Monkey pub and joined them for a few drinks.
The group left the Bench Street bar and walked towards London Road
where they began to separate.
Wilson, Mr Brankley and two others were waiting for a taxi when an
argument broke out between the two men.
Punches were thrown and Wilson repeatedly stabbed Mr Brankley,
leaving him with multiple wounds.
Wilson ran off towards the town centre as the two friends tried help
their friend. Together with Port of Dover police officers, who were in
the area at the time, they stemmed the blood flow before Mr Brankley was
taken to William Harvey Hospital, Ashford.
The 24-year-old underwent a six-and-a-half hour lifesaving operation
on his horrendous injuries. Speaking exclusively to the Express in the
days after the attack Mr Brankley's father Michael said: "When the
police came here in the morning they told us to prepare ourselves
because it was not a pretty sight.
"Half his face was hanging off – it was like a horror movie. It was
devastating.
"It has ripped us apart, it is just devastating to see him lying
there. Even though he is on the mend, it is upsetting for us all."
Kent Police tried to track down Wilson by visiting Scotland and other
parts of the country. He was finally brought to justice when three
months later they received an anonymous tip off telling police where he
was.
Vile Wilson was found guilty of attempted murder at Maidstone Crown
Court today.
He was given an indeterminate life sentence with the recommendation
he serve a minimum of six and half years before being considered for
parole. He will be on license for a minimum of 10 years.
Presiding Judge Jeremy Carey branded Wilson a dangerous offender with
a sinister character and a fixation for knives.
Detective Chief Inspector Mick Atkinson, of Kent Police's Major Crime
unit, said: "William Wilson embarked on his night out last summer
carrying a knife, clearly with the intent that should something happen
he would cause harm or serious injury.
"His actions have left a young man scarred for life.
"Mr Brankley has faced numerous operations and long-term treatment
for the injuries he sustained that night, and his life will never be the
same again.
"Kent Police will not tolerate anyone who carries knives into our
community and what this case clearly shows is that we will robustly
track down any offenders and bring them before the courts."
Mr Brankley, now 25, said: "I can't turn back the clock, but in many
respects I feel extremely lucky. I could have lost the sight in my left
eye if it wasn't for the quick thinking of my friends and the excellent
medical treatment I received.
"I could also have lost my life.
"I have great family support and a beautiful daughter, and I hope
from this point that my life can continue to get back on track."
(Link to more info)
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From the Dover Express, 8 August, 2009.
Tapping into real ale.
Bar hopes to broaden appeal with cask beer
Report by Rhys Griffiths
A LANDLORD in Dover is turning to real ale in a bid to broaden the
appeal of his town centre venue.
Nathan Sutton, who runs the Funky Monkey bar in Bench Street, hopes by adding
the cask beer to his drinks selection the pub can attract a different
type of drinker.
He is not the only publican who is adding the traditional brew to his
repertoire.
According to the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra) four other pubs in the
district have also started stocking the drink in the last three months.
To mark the addition of Greene King IPA to the bar, Nathan is staging
a contest where drinkers can win themselves a gallon of ale every week
for the next two months.
Each time a pint of beer is purchased the customer gets a raffle
ticket, and a draw will be held to decide the victor, although Nathan
has pointed out the winner does not have to down the eight pints in one
sitting.
The 31-year-old said: "We opened about three years ago and last
summer started opening in the day time, now we have enough volume to do
real ale and make it more of a real pub.
"I think the demand is there. A lot of people just stick to what they
know, but hopefully this will encourage people to try it for the first
time."
Nathan is hoping to develop the bar further and encourage a more
diverse crowd, and he has applied to have tables outside on the
pavement.
Camra has pointed to reports which show real ale is outperforming
other types of beer, so it is no surprise pubs across the district are
deciding to get the drink on tap.
Tony Wells, pubs officer for the local branch of Camra, said: "The
Funky Monkey is not a pub that most people would consider as a real ale
venue, but Nathan has changed all that.
"The chrome hand pump may not be to everyone's liking, but it would
not look out of place in trendy wine bars and nightclubs, where
traditional hand pumps may look somewhat dated. It will also appeal to
the younger drinker who is used to tall, chrome beer fonts adorning the
bar."
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From the Dover Mercury, 9 June, 2009.
Safety first as bar area restricted
LICENSEES of a Dover bar are considering whether to appeal against a
decision to restrict the area available for customers for safety
reasons.
The reduction, at the Funky Monkey Bar in Bench Street, was imposed
at a Licensing Review brought by Kent Fire and Rescue following an
inspection of the premises.
The bar owners had constructed a large wooden structure over an
outside terrace without permission.
Kent Fire and Rescue told the licensing committee that in the event
of a fire in this area there was a likelihood of significant injury or
loss of life.
For that reason the premises licence was reduced so that the terrace
area is no longer covered by the licence.
District council licensing manager Tony Bartlett said: "In these
difficult economic times, Dover District Council is working to support
local businesses and we understand that businesses will try different
means to increase income.
"However, our primary concern has to be the safety of the public and
we would encourage businesses to talk us as at the earliest opportunity
for appropriate advice before carrying out works like this."
The owners have 21 days from June 30 to appeal against the decision.
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From the Dover Express, 19 November, 2009. Report by
Yamural Zendera
The Funky Monkey bar, in Bench Street, was granted permission by the
regulatory committee to have six chairs and three tables outside, but
only up to 7pm. The business had applied for seven tables and 18 chairs.
Dover Town Council objected to the application on the grounds it
would create an obstruction while Dover District Safety Unit said it
would restrict the room of pedestrians, causing heightened fears of
crime as they walk through the customers from the premises.
DDSU said the application could also lead to drinkers dropping items
onto the public using the subway.
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From the Dover Express, 25 February, 2010.
TWO CHARGED IN BAR ATTACK.
TWO men have been charged by police after doormen were attacked at a bar
in Dover last year.
The bouncers were assaulted at the "Funky Monkey" in
Bench Street on December 17.
Stephen Philip Dyer, 26, of Monins Road,
Dover, and Luke Matthew Smissen, 20, of Ewell Minnis, were charged with
two counts of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.
They were released
on bail to answer before Folkestone Magistrates on March 3.
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From the Dover Mercury, Thursday 18 November, 2010.
WITNESSES SOUGHT AFTER BAR ASSAULT
POLICE are appealing for information and witnesses after what they
describe as an unprovoked assault at the "Funky Monkey" bar in Bench
Street, Dover.
It happened just after midnight, early on Sunday, November 7, in the
public smoking area, when a 27-year-old man was assaulted by another man
with a glass bottle which caused a cut lip and swelling to his jaw and
cheek bone.
He was taken to hospital and needed stitches for the injuries.
• Anyone who witnessed the incident is asked to contact PC Lucy
Hazelden on 01304 218181 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
PUB STAFF ABUSE
A MAN who was swearing and being violent towards staff at a pub in
Bench Street, Dover, has been issued with an £80 fixed penalty notice.
The 25-year-old was arrested for being drunk and disorderly early on
Sunday and kept in custody at Dover Police Station for more than eight
hours.
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From the Dover Mercury, 12 May, 2011.
70p
FUNKY PUB PLANS TO BE NAUGHTY
Go-ahead for lap dancing nights
By Graham Tutthill
THE owner of a Dover pub intends to stage adult entertainment,
including naughty nights, after being given the go-ahead to stay open
longer.
Nathan Sutton, who runs the "Funky Monkey" in Bench Street, says
he wants his customers to enjoy a better night out.
The district council
has
given Mr Sutton permission to
keep his pub open until 3.30am on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights,
3am on Sundays and 2am on all other days.
The licence allows him to nest adult entertainment nights, including lap
dancing and pole dancing, up to 11 times a year.
Battle
After a long battle we have now secured the latest licence in town,"
said Mr Sutton.
"This will allow our customers to enjoy a better night
out in Dover.
"Further information on our plans for naughty Monkey
nights will follow."
A spokesman for the district council said there had been no valid
objections to the "Funky Monkey" application to vary the premises licence.
"We can confirm that the "Funky Monkey" applied for a variation of their
premises licence and in the absence of any valid representations we are
required to issue the licence."
He also confirmed that by law the pub is allowed to have
relevant entertainment, which includes lap dancing and pole dancing, up
to 11 times a year without the need for a licence provided there is a
month between each event.
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From the Dover Mercury, 7 April, 2011. 70p
MIXED VIEWS ON PUB'S NAUGHTY NIGHTS PLAN
PLANS by a Dover pub to introduce lap dancing, pole dancing and
"naughty nights" has brought a mixed response from people.
The proposal, at the "Funky Monkey" in Bench Street, was revealed in
the Mercury last week after licensee Nathan Sutton was given the
go-ahead to stay open until 3.30am at weekends and to stage adult
entertainment up to 11 times a year.
Some people commenting on the story on the Mercury webpage (http://www.kentonline.co.uk)
welcomed the plans, while others were not so sure.
Joey Woods wrote: "I think it will be really good for the community
of Dover." Someone else, using a pseudonym, said: "That's right Joey.
Nothing brings the people of Dover together better than lap and pole
dancing."
Ted thought staying open longer would bring the area down "lower than
it already is"; while Jumbo thought some of the customers wives at the
pub might like to become involved in the dancing.
John wrote that Gary Glitter had been seen at the pub. "I believe he
was spotted having a drink there last year," he said.
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From the Dover Express, Thursday, 19
January, 2013. 70p.
CLUB ASSAULT WITNESS APPEAL
A man was reportedly punched in the face while in the smoking area of
the "Funky Monkey" bar in Dover.
Police are appealing for information following the assault, which
occurred between 1am and 1,40am on Saturday, April 6.
It is reported that the 33-year-old suffered facial injuries in the
incident at the Bench Street nightclub.
Anyone who witnessed the assault is asked to contact police on 101
quoting reference ZY/009506/13, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
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From the Dover Mercury, 21 June, 2012. 80p
VOLUNTEER TEACHER SPARED JAIL
A PROMISING rugby player and aspiring teacher at a Dover school has
avoided jail after admitting causing grievous bodily harm to a man who
he claimed was pestering his fiancée.
Aaron Cooper, 22, was given a 12 month prison sentence, suspended for 18
months at Canterbury Crown Court on Friday.
Cooper, a volunteer teacher at Dover Christchurch Academy, was at the
Funky Monkey nightclub in Dover on the evening of Saturday, October 29 with his
fiancée
Louise Sawyer.
He alleged Richard Hadlow was giving Miss Sawyer unwanted attention and
despite being asked twice to leave her alone, he persisted.
The men did not know each other and they were both drunk.
Cooper head-butted Hadlow and punched him in the head repeatedly in what
Judge Heather Norton described as a
“moment of sheer madness.” CCTV footage captured the attack. Mr Hadlow
was unconscious for a few minutes.
Cooper was arrested in the Market Square and when questioned, admitted
the attack at the earliest opportunity.
Phil Rowley, defending, said Cooper was “totally remorseful” and
“ashamed of his behaviour.” The attack was motivated by a desire to
protect his girlfriend. Cooper, of Sassoon Close,
Hawkinge, stood in the dock wearing a Dover Rugby Club tie.
He was supported by family members and a colleague from the school.
Mr Roley added: “The school remains extremely supportive of him and
hopes he gains a teacher training place.”
Judge Norton said: “I take the view that this was a sustained attack but
not premeditated.
“The mitigating circumstances are that you pleaded guilty, you
have expressed remorse that I accept is genuine and heartfelt, not just
for the circumstances you face.
“You have an impeccable character with references and people have come
to support you.”
Cooper received 12 months imprisonment suspended for 18 months with 12
months supervision. He will have to complete 200 hours of unpaid work
and pay £500 compensation to Mr Hadlow.
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From the Dover Express, 31 March, 2016. By Jordan Bluer.
‘Bar yob tried to bite my son’s nose off,’ says dad.
Labourer, 25, was ‘jumped and kicked in head’ at Funky Monkey.
A DOVER dad claims a thug tried to bite his son’s nose off during a
brutal and “unprovoked” attack at The Funky Monkey.
 Daniel Appleby, 25, was out drinking with a friend at the Bench Street
bar when he was allegedly jumped in the smoking area.
Drunk and unable to fight back, the labourer was knocked to the ground
and reportedly kicked in the head and body, according to dad Darren.
The 49-year-old, who lives with his son in Melbourne Avenue, is now
appealing for witnesses to the assault.
He said: “A man came up to him in the smoking area, gave him some grief
then launched at him.
“My son was so drunk he couldn’t fight back.
“The man tried to bite his nose off then started kicking him in the head
and body - he didn’t have a chance.
“Daniel called me shortly after he was taken to hospital. I was flipping
angry.”
Darren added: “He’s now black
and blue. His forehead is completely swollen. He has bite marks all over
his nose, grazes and cuts everywhere else, two black eyes and bruised
ribs.”
Hospital.
A Kent Police spokesman said: “We received a report of an assault in The
Funky Monkey in Bench Street between 2.10am and 2.30am. Officers
attended the scene. A man aged in his 20s was taken to hospital with
injuries not believed to be life-threatening. Enquiries are on-going.”
Daniel was released from hospital about nine hours later at 11.30am. He is still recovering from his
injuries.
His dad added: “Doctors think he may have a broken nose, but we have to
wait until for the swelling to go down to be sure.
“I would like to see this widely publicised to ensure that this person
is indeed prosecuted for the completely unprovoked attack which will
leave my son with facial scars.”
Bosses at The Funky Monkey were unavailable for comment.
Anyone with information can call Kent Police on 101.
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From the Dover Mercury, 26 January 2017.
TEARS AS COURT SEES FILM OF PUNCHES, KICKS AND
HEADBUTTS.
Young mother’ vicious attack.
A 22-year-old mother of three sobbed in court when a judge saw footage
of a ferocious attack she carried out.
Kalais Dickenson admitted the affray with her younger brother Robbie,
18, with whom she lives in Randolph Road, Dover, and friend Ryan
Matthews.
The attack happened outside The Funky Monkey nightspot, left, in Bench
Street, Dover, in June. The footage showed them kicking and punching two
male victims while Matthews, a trainee bricklayer, of Hillside Road,
performed “sickening” headbutts.
All three were spared jail.
Young mum launched ferocious attack.
Drunken woman part of a gang in street fight.
A Dover mother-of-three sobbed in a Crown Court dock - as a judge
watched CCTV footage of her and two others launching a ferocious attack
outside Dover’s Funky Monkey club.
Kalais Dickenson, 22, had been out celebrating her brother Robbie’s 18th
birthday when together with pal Ryan Matthews they became involved in
the street punch-up after getting “drunk out of their minds”.
Prosecutor Paul Valder told Canterbury Crown Court how the fight
happened in June last year after they clashed with four friends who were
in the club in Dover town centre.
Two of the friends Massud Rezae and Armath Gokhool were on the dance
floor in the bar when “all of a sudden” a man began shoving Mr Gokhool.
The two decided to leave but
before they could do so, Mr Gokhool was set up on and “pummelled by
punches” to the face and head.
The two groups were ordered to leave but earlier Mr Gokhool spoke to bar
staff who told him a woman in the club “had taken exception to his skin
colour” and she advised him to leave.
Outside five people were arguing with door staff and Mr Gokhool and his
friends were advised to leave by another route after being warned some
of them were “lying in wait”.
Mr Valder said they were chased and caught and Mr Gokhool’s friend
Stuart Green was punched repeatedly, kicked, stamped on and hit over the
head by a traffic cone causing an injury.
Meanwhile Mr Gokhool was dragged across the dual carriageway where he
was punched and kicked by the group including Kalais Dickenson.
Mr Rezae went for help and then returned only to be punched, kicked and
headbutted - the gang then fled after police were summoned.
Judge James O’Mahony was then shown CCTV footage of the attack -
including three “sickening and shocking headbutts” by Matthews. All the
victims were taken to the William Harvey Hospital and treated for their
head and facial injuries.
The two Dickensons of Randolph Road, Dover and Matthews of Hillside
Road, all Dover, each admitted affray.
Dominic Connolly for trainee bricklayer Matthews said: “Your honour used
the word ‘sickening’ to describe the violence and I can’t argue with
that. But Matthews was not involved in any incident in the nightclub.
“This was wholly out of character and was an isolated incident and he
has now stopped drinking because he is so ashamed of what happened.”
Daniel Stevenson, defending, said Kalais Dickenson wanted to apologise
for “what on any view was an ugly piece of street violence”.
The mother began sobbing as her barrister talked about her struggle
raising her children, and the judge said: “I can see she is
very distressed.”
Matthews was given a 14 month sentence suspended for two years, Robbie
Dickenson received a nine month sentence suspended for two years and
ordered to do 120 hours of unpaid work.
And Kalais Dickenson was given a six month sentence suspended for two
years and told to carry out 100 hours of work for
the community.
All three also received four month electronic tag curfew orders by the
judge who told them that they had been “drunk out of their minds”.
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From the
https://www.kentlive.news By Vicky Castle, 19 Feb 2019.
The violent and unprovoked attack outside a Dover nightclub which left three people injured.
Joseph Holmes, (left) 20, and Dayton Hayes, (right) 21, have been jailed for the attack.
A group of four friends were injured after an unprovoked and violent
assault outside a Dover nightclub.
One victim suffered a broken nose and injured cheekbone in the attack
while another had a swollen jaw and temporary loss of hearing.
A third victim suffered a broken nose.
The group of friends had been enjoying a night out on Boxing Day and
left the nightclub together in the early hours.
But they were assaulted by a group of men - including Joseph Holmes, 20
and Dayton Hayes, 21.
One of the victims was approached by Hayes who punched him a number of
times while wearing a sovereign ring.
Joseph Holmes head-butted one of the victims.
The victim fell to the floor but regained his footing and attempted to
leave the area, only to then be surrounded by a group of about six men
including Hayes and Holmes who repeatedly kicked and punched him to the
ground.
The victim’s friends then stepped in, one of whom was head-butted by
Holmes and another who was punched repeatedly by Hayes.
The friends then attempted to leave the area, only to be further
attacked with kicks and punches.
One was knocked to the floor in a shop doorway where he was kicked in
the head by Holmes.
The assault took place in the King Street area, outside the "Funky
Monkey," in the early hours of December 27, 2016.
Hayes and Holmes were arrested several weeks later and picked out of an
identity parade prior to them being charged.
Joseph Holmes, 20, of Wigmore Lane, Eythorne, was found guilty of
causing grievous bodily harm and two counts of actual bodily harm
following a trial at Canterbury Crown Court.
Dayton Hayes, 21, of Wyndham Road, Dover, had already admitted being
involved in the incident.
Holmes was jailed for four years for his part in the attack, while Hayes
was jailed for two years and eight months.
They were both sentenced yesterday (February 18) and will serve their
sentences in a Young Offender Institution.
Investigating officer PC Sam Minichiello said: "This was an entirely
unprovoked attack by two individuals who wanted to have a fight and did
not care who they targeted or what the consequences of their actions
would be.
"Members of the public should be able to socialise without fear of being
viciously assaulted by the likes of Joseph Holmes and Dayton Hayes, who
will now both serve time in a Young Offender Institution.
"They have the rest of their lives ahead of them and one can only hope
they take this opportunity to consider the implications of their
actions."
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From the
https://www.kentlive.news By Vicky Castle, Victoria Chessum, & Sian Elvin, 9 June 2019.
We visited the 'worst' nightclubs and bars in Kent according to reviewers
to see what they're really like.
Most of us really don't mind where we go out as long as there are good
drinks and music, but other people find their clubbing experience much more
important.
So much so that they feel the need to write a TripAdvisor review about
the nightclubs. And some are less than flattering.
Here are some of the worst reviews of Kent clubs on the site, with just
one or two stars – but compared with what our journalists at Kent Live
really think of them.
Funky Monkey, Dover.
One reviewer gave it one star, saying it was a "not nice, unfriendly place".
The review said:- "Sticky dirty carpets. Unwelcoming rude staff. Expensive
drinks as well as paying on the door and for hanging your coat up. Trouble
from the start."
We say:- "You get what you expect when you go to Funky Monkey… they sell the
cheapest draught in town so it would be unfair to think it would be amazing.
"The club has been refurbished since this review though, and looks much
better inside. You can play pool if you want, too.
"It's fun for a cheap night out.
"Also it's not like you have much else choice in Dover."
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Formerly "Jays Wine Bar".
2023 planning permission for demolition has been applied for.
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From the
https://www.kentonline.co.uk By Alex Jee, 12 August 2023.
Demolition of Funky Monkey and former Post Office in Bench Street Dover starts.
Work to tear down a former, beloved town centre nightclub has now started.
The Funky Monkey in Dover, which closed last year, is being
demolished along with the neighbouring former Post Office.
Work is underway to demolish former nightclub Funky Monkey in Dover.
The two buildings, at numbers 14 and 15 Bench Street, are to be
replaced with new homes, and business, education and cultural
centres.
Dover District Council (DDC) is behind the multimillion-pound
project, with much of the funding coming from central government
levelling up money.
Number 11 Bench Street – the former Castle Amusements building –
will also be demolished as part of the scheme.
The building, visible from the A20 to drivers heading to Dover port,
was used as a canvas by famous artist Banksy in 2017.
His painting however – an image of a workman on a ladder chipping
away one of the stars of the EU flag – was mysteriously whitewashed
two years later.
A DDC spokesman said the council had “extensively” explored options
about saving the Banksy, but with this not possible, it is hoped a
scan could result in a copy being made.
Scaffolding and fencing now surround all three buildings, with
diggers being used to start demolition work on the Funky Monkey and
the ex-Post Office.
A spokesman for the council said: “Contractors appointed by DDC took
possession of council-owned land and property in Bench Street, Dover
on June 19.
“Since then, there has been increased activity in Bench Street as
DDS Demolition set up a site compound along with additional safety
and security measures to protect both the site and the public ahead
of the planned demolition of unsafe buildings.
Graphic shows the proposed development of Bench Street.
“Demolition work has started on 14 and 15 Bench Street.
“The demolition is presently expected to take another six to eight
weeks.”
As well as 11, 14 and 15, two other buildings on Bench Street -
including the site of the former Crypt restaurant, where a fire
killed seven people in 1977 - were bought by the council for the
regeneration of the area, which is aided by £18 million in levelling
up money.
The new education campus and business centre are planned for where
The Funky Monkey sits. The cultural centre will take over a car park
in the street.
Meanwhile, a residential development is proposed for number 11.
A cultural centre is proposed for Bench Street in Dover as part of
plans to regenerate the area.
How the Bench Street Banksy looked – but it has now been painted
over, and Dover District Council says it will be unable to recover
the original.
The council views Bench Street as a key link between the seafront
and the recently-renovated Market Square, which had huge metal ring
water features installed last summer.
DDC is now seeking potential tenants for the creative centre,
business centre and education campus - which together will be known
as Dover Beacon.
The creative centre will provide space for art and culture,
including exhibitions, gallery space, functions, presentations, and
meetings, together with studio/making spaces, and the potential for
a café and retail.
Meanwhile, the business hub will provide affordable facilities for
start-ups and small and medium-sized enterprises, to attract and
keep skilled workers and provide new employment opportunities.
The ex-club is covered in scaffolding as demolition starts at the
back of the building.
The education campus will offer training opportunities in the
creative and digital industries.
As well as new buildings the development will also have a small park
where tenants and their clients and the wider community, can meet
and spend leisure time. |
Artist's impression for the Dover Beacon project, supplied by Lee
Evans Partnership, 2023. |
LICENSEE LIST
SUTTON Nathan 2006-12+
|
