From the Dover Express and East Kent News, 1 January 1954.

THE MARKET SQUARE FLATS

One of the biggest reconstruction jobs going on in the town during 1953 has been the Market Square shops and flats, which are now almost completed externally. The above photograph, taken from the rear, gives a clearer idea of the extent of the flats than the usual view from the front.

HOTEL FOR MARKET SQUARE?

Negotiations to proceed.

REFERENCE to the possibility of an hotel being erected in the Market Square was made in the minutes of the Planning Committee put before the Town Council yesterday (Thursday).

The committee report stated that the Town Clerk had conducted preliminary negotiations with a view to dispose of part of the land on the West side of Market Square between the bank site and Tavenors Lane, for hotel purposes.

The Town Clerk enquired whether it would be the wish of the committee that, subject to the submission and approval of detailed plans etc., and the District Valuer's approval of the price, and requisite Ministerial consents, he should endeavour to negotiate a settlement on the basis of a freehold sale of the site.

The recommendation of the committee, approved by the Council, was that the Town Clerk should be authorised to endeavour to negotiate a settlement on the terms mentioned.

The committee report also stated that provisional agreement had been reached with Messrs. Fremlins Ltd., for the acquisition by the Corporation of the store at present occupied by Messrs. W. J. Took and Sons in Tavenors Lane and the adjoining ruinous premises.

The price provisionally agreed was £1100, the Corporation also to pay the vendors' reasonable legal costs and surveyor's fees. The committee recommended that, subject to approval of the Ministry of Housing and Local Government, the property be acquired on those terms. The Council agreed.