A New Vision for Sandwich

Sandwich Toll Bridge Fund have applied to the Heritage Lottery Fund for a Grant.

HLF update:

The bid intends to update the layout of the Guildhall to make the ground floor a heritage space and open plan Visitor Information Centre.

The space will also include, a museum and archives store, a public research room, and a learning and engagement space.

This bid was submitted in August and we will be notified by the end of 2018 whether we have been successful for Round One.

A New Vision for Sandwich is an exciting regeneration project. This includes various elements that have stemmed from the report ‘Which way for Sandwich’.

The annual calendar of cultural and social events has grown substantially over the past decade alongside the evolving hospitality and tourism sector.

Encouraged by this positivity and supported by outside funding, the Council is currently undertaking major projects, various elements of which are focusing on reinvigorating the 16th century Guildhall as a heritage asset to the town.

Plans are also in place to refresh the market place outside the Guildhall - design plans can be seen by clicking here and other elements include linking the towns attractions, the Quay for example, together more holistically to create an attractive, informative and historic draw for residents and tourists alike and in doing so will bring more jobs and prosperity to the town.

It is overseen by a board consisting of representatives from Sandwich Town Council, Dover District Council, Kent County Council, The Town Team, Historic England and Discovery Park.

This shows the commitment of local authorities and invested bodies.

The timing of this project is vital as Sandwich will hold The Open (Golf) in 2020.

This will be a hugely realised opportunity to relaunch and reengage with a significantly wider international audience who will utilise such an event to its maximum and will increase footfall to the town both before and after this pinnacle of the sporting calendar.