A pop-up art gallery has been set up in the windows of a former shopfront to help transform the eyesore while plans for its long-term future remain undecided.
The Deal Society has partnered with South East Artists and the Deal Arts Club to host the exhibition at The Original Factory Shop in the town centre, which closed in September 2024.
Photos from a Boxing Day Dip in Deal are part of the pop-up exhibition
It comes as fears were raised that leaving the building empty risked “shabbiness” spreading throughout the high street like an “infection”.
Proposals for five new shops and 17 flats at the site were approved by councillors more than two years ago, but a formal decision notice is yet to be issued.
DDC says this is due to an ongoing dispute with the applicant – Mr I Hoffman of Tottenham, north London – over “contributions and obligations”.
The scheme cannot move forward without the council’s final written approval.
Now, an agreement has been reached between the Deal Society and Mr Hoffman to install a pop-up art exhibition and mural on hoardings installed at the entrance to the former store.
Deal Society chairman Ron Condon said work got underway on Monday last week, with the artwork installed the following day.
A new mural has been installed at The Original Factory Shop site in Deal High StreetWork has been completed to improve the former The Original Factory Shop site in Deal High Street
The finishing touches to the mural were completed after Christmas.
He added: “As soon as we got permission to start working on the site, local arts groups came together very quickly last week to devise a plan of action.
“The project was co-ordinated by local photographer Alan Jones and SEAS chairman Dominic Harper, but involved many local artists who came together.
“Not just to present their work but also to do some of the basic tasks like washing windows, removing rubbish and relaying some carpet tiles.
“The screens, which SEAS already had in store in Sandwich, were shipped over in various cars, and artists then turned up with their work to create an instant exhibition in time for Christmas.
“The windows have attracted a steady stream of passersby, and local traders have also welcomed the improvement in appearance of the site.”
A pop-up art exhibition has been installed at The Original Factory Shop in Deal High Street
SEAS chairman Dominic Harper added: “There have been a lot of thumbs up through the glass and many saying it’s made such a difference from before.
“Residents have also popped through the door to say thanks. One woman has already spotted herself, friends and family in one of the Boxing Day Dip pictures.”
Earlier this month, the Deal Society called for hoardings to be placed around the former store, fearing the eyesore building’s impact on the high street.
Members of DDC’s planning committee voted The Original Factory Shop application through without debate in July 2023 after officers recommended approval.
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However, a council spokesperson confirmed this was subject to conditions, including the resolution of a legal agreement.
They added: “A decision has not yet been made, as the contributions and obligations have not been agreed upon.
The Deal Society has partnered with South East Artists and the Deal Arts Club to host a pop-up exhibition at The Original Factory Shop in the town centre
“The agents have recently submitted a viability report, and this position is being independently reviewed.”
The poor state of the former store has sparked an enforcement investigation by Dover District Council (DDC).
Another large unit in the high street recently became empty when Poundland shut, leaving a “big hole” in the town centre.
Two neighbouring buildings next to The Original Factory Shop also remain vacant; the former Frog and Scot restaurant and wine bar closed in October and former haberdashery store, Swanstitch, is also empty.
Previously, Thanet-based Urban Surveying and Design Ltd told KentOnline there were limits on what could be done at The Original Factory Shop site without DDC’s final decision.
It is currently not known when the green light will be given for the site’s long-term future.