Revealed: Plans for Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Park overlooking the White Cliffs of Dover – complete with statue of the forces’ sweetheart and 3,500-seat amphitheatre
- Public park will be home to an outstanding 3,500 capacity outdoor amphitheatre with views of the Channel
- It will hold a statue created by Paul day, who made Westminster’s Battle of Britain Memorial, of Dame Vera
- Park is situated on a former military barracks and will slope down the hill with a restaurant and coffee shop
The plans for an incredible Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Park and amphitheatre over the White Cliffs of Dover have been revealed.
The public park commemorating the singer’s life will be home to an outstanding 3,500 capacity outdoor amphitheatre for music, culture and entertainment with breath-taking views over the Channel.
It will also hold a statue created by sculptor Paul Day, who made Westminster’s Battle of Britain Memorial, of Dame Vera performing in our Darkest Hour.
Planning documents state: ‘The memorial is to be an expression of gratitude from the Nation to a lady whose musical talent touched the lives of many millions of people over nine decades.
‘This is a memorial of thanks and celebration to a life well lived, to an iconic figure of the 20th century.’
The plans for an incredible Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Park and amphitheatre over the White Cliffs of Dover have been revealed (pictured)
The park, situated on a former military barracks, will slope down the hill with a visitor centre, restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop towards the stepped seating with a view of two performing arts stages.
By transforming a section of the historic Western Heights into a ‘national landmark’ with panoramic views to sea, planners Atkins hope they will ‘create a catalyst for the future regeneration of Dover’.
The coastal town in Kent is renowned for its White Cliffs of Dover which Dame Vera sang ‘There’ll Be Bluebirds Over’.
Dover District Council has submitted a Levelling Up Fund application, which should be decided by September, to help cover the estimated £20.55million costs plus VAT.
The Dame Vera Lynn Memorial Trust, which has visited and approved of the site, hopes to raise £3million in charitable fundraising to contribute towards costs.
The public park commemorating the singer’s life will be home to an outstanding 3,500 capacity outdoor amphitheatre for music, culture and entertainment with breath-taking views over the Channel
Town Planning and Scheduled Monument Consent is expected by May 2022 with a building contractor appointed that August.
Phase One of the project is hoped to be unveiled in March 2023 with the lower tier including a musical production stage finished in May the following year.
Aside from the park, an exhibition centre will also be installed in the town centre and special events will be held at The Creative Arts Centre to form part of the ‘pilgrimage of Dame Vera Lynn in Dover’.
Dover and Deal MP Natalie Elphicke wrote a supporting letter to Secretary of State Robert Jenrick in which she says the park is expected to support 900 additional jobs and generate £50million of extra spend a year.
Dover District Council leader Trevor Bartlett added: ‘This opportunity is like no other and will provide additionality to substantially help supporting existing businesses and strengthen the wider tourism industry by opening up the Western side of Dover for the benefits of residents and visitors to our town.’
It will also hold a statue created by sculptor Paul Day, who made Westminster’s Battle of Britain Memorial, of Dame Vera performing in our Darkest Hour
Dame Vera Lynn (pictured in 2019) died on June 18 last year aged 103. She backed many campaigns for the benefit of Dover throughout her life – with the most recent raising £1million so the National Trust could buy a section of land and return it to chalk grassland on the Cliffs
Mrs Elphicke also gained Boris Johnson’s strong support for the plans when she raised the proposals during last week’s Prime Ministers’ Questions in Parliament.
She said: ‘Dame Vera Lynn did so much for our nation.
‘Now a fitting memorial is planned on the White Cliffs of Dover to ensure this national icon continues to be celebrated for decades to come.
‘Does my right honourable friend, the Prime Minister, agree that Dame Vera was a great inspiration to women – showing the difference we can make and her contribution throughout the whole of her life to our national life.
‘Will he extend his support to this important Dame Vera Lynn national memorial project?’
Speaker, Sir Lindsay Hoyle, said it was something on which the House could ‘all unite’.
The park, situated on a former military barracks, will slope down the hill with a visitor centre, restaurant, coffee shop and gift shop towards the stepped seating with a view of two performing arts stages
Mr Johnson joined Sir Paul McCartney, Katherine Jenkins and Joanna Lumley in backing the idea.
Sir David Amess, Southend West MP, raised a motion in Parliament in May. He said: ‘This project will provide a venue for concerts and theatrical productions in a stunning natural setting.
‘The Memorial to Dame Vera will be at the heart of the plans and her musical legacy will live on in the enjoyment of visitors and audiences for many years to come.’
Dame Vera Lynn died on June 18 last year aged 103.
She backed many campaigns for the benefit of Dover throughout her life – with the most recent raising £1million so the National Trust could buy a section of land and return it to chalk grassland on the Cliffs.
The wildlife meadow was renamed Dame Vera Lynn Down to mark the first anniversary of her death last month.
Daughter Virginia Lewis-Jones is ensuring her mother’s legacy is remembered forever by also helping to rename a coastal path connecting the town to the cliffs to Dame Vera Lynn Way.
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