Dover Discovery Centre

Client: Dover District Council / Kent County Council.
Designer / Consultant Team: Pellings LLP, ADR Consulting Engineers Ltd, Amdell Ltd, Jager Electrical, Walker Construction
BSB Installer: Ventilaire Ltd,

BSB Products Supplied:

• FSD-C Single blade motorised Fire Dampers
• FSD-TD Multi-Blade Motorised Fire Dampers
• ACP Addressable Damper Control Panel
• ADM Addressable  Damper control Units

The Project

The Dover Discovery Centre is a landmark public building in the heart of Dover, offering a library, learning hub, gallery and community space. Originally transformed from the historic Buckland Paper Mill, the centre was reimagined by a multi-disciplinary team working closely with Dover District Council, with a brief to deliver a highly functional, accessible, and future-ready community facility.

During the building upgrade, specialist fire and smoke protection solutions were needed that could meet the strictest safety standards while fitting seamlessly into the building’s tight service zones.

The Challenge

The site’s heritage status and complex layout meant that installation flexibility was essential. Ventilaire Ltd, a mechanical contractor based just 30 miles away in Sittingbourne, was tasked with supplying and fitting dampers that would perform reliably and meet regulatory compliance across a wide range of conditions.

With limited ceiling space, varying wall constructions, and the need for ongoing damper monitoring, Ventilaire selected BSB products for their versatility, British engineering, and proven support.

The Solution

BSB supplied a full damper and control solutions. These products were ideal for a heritage-conversion site where ease of access and certainty of performance were vital. The ACP50 panel and ADM units allowed simple connection and compliance testing, streamlining handover for Ventilaire and their partners.

The Local Advantage

The project benefitted from a genuinely local and collaborative approach. This alignment allowed for fast support, timely deliveries, and confidence that every component met UK standards and regulations — contributing to regional sustainability and the economy.