Dover Harbour Board is working up plans to re-develop the port's Western Docks with four ferry berths because the Eastern Docks Ferry Terminal is reaching full capacity.
The ferry capacity issue was identified in the port's 30-year master plan announced earlier this year together with a proposal to create holding areas for freight traffic on the A20 and A2 approaches to Dover. These "buffer zones" would significantly reduce traffic congestion in the town.
Under the master plan, the marina's Tidal Basin and Granville Dock will be reclaimed as part of the Western Docks Ferry Terminal development and a new marina created. The future of the third berthing area in Wellington Dock is still under review.
"We expect to reach decisions on the locations of the ferry berths, the marina and whether we are going to pursue the concept of buffer zones by the end of the year," says Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover.
"We have set a date of 25 January to commence our next round of public consultation on the master plan." Marina Projects will be asking marina users for their views and will be producing analysis on the future of the marina market as part of their study.
