A three-in-one community centre, clothes shop and café takes over a former town centre pub this weekend.

The Beehive Dover, in Stembrook, replaces the Roman Quay and has its grand opening at 11.30am tomorrow (Saturday).

This new venture is run by Beehive Dover, a charity helping disadvantaged people. It already has a boutique in North Street, Ashford which opened in 2017.

Laura Brittain, Beehive Dover manager, said: “We can’t wait to open our doors and welcome the people of Dover.

“This space is going to be an amazing addition to the town, a safe space for people who need it, and a thriving community.”

The Beehive teams up with local services, offering a referral system where people can receive clothing and support for free. Included inside is a women’s second-hand clothing boutique.

It will take referrals from groups such as social services, family liaison organisations, churches and charities and will also take self-referrals.

Supported by volunteers, this community space will also offer volunteering opportunities and up-skilling.

People can go there to grow in confidence learn new skills, or give back to the community and the centre will also provide community workshops and social spaces.

Karen Thatcher, that centre’s communications and marketing manager, said: “We have seen such incredible impact in Ashford, both as a shop contributing to the economy, and for the people of our community to find support.

“With Laura and her team leading the way in launching The Beehive Dover, we know that good things are coming there.”

The centre’s opening times will be Tuesday to Saturday, 10am-5pm.

Planning permission for it was given by Dover District Council in July.

The Roman Quay was in business from exactly July 31, 1957, until February 24, 2020. Its name reflected the area’s use as a port by the Romans, then called Dubris.

As the pub was being planned in 1956 the then borough librarian confirmed that the walls of Roman Dover passed directly through the site. Nearby remnants of a quay or causeway were also found.