A major initiative to renovate Dover Priory station will be getting underway in August, keeping Dover firmly on track for eagerly awaited news on the high speed rail service.
Major renovations include the refurbishment of the station building, booking hall and toilet facilities, and planned improvements to the external circulation for vehicles. There are also works to improve port interchange facilities, signs for pedestrians and CCTV coverage in the waiting areas.
The scheme follows public consultation and funding from key project partners, including Dover District Council, train company Southeastern, Kent County Council, the East Kent Partnership and the Railway Heritage Trust. Further funding is being sought from other bodies and organisations for further improvements around the station. Project partners have set up a Local Project Steering Group to oversee the project. University College for the Creative Arts at Canterbury was commissioned and students were involved in preparation of designs, which have formed the basis of the current scheme.
The scheme is part of the HST (High Speed Trains) Connect project, funded by Interreg European funding and overseen by the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA). Dover Priory is one of three stations in the UK to benefit from this project.
Cllr Nigel Collor, DDC Cabinet Member for Access, said: "We are delighted that work is getting underway and this will be a major boost to our efforts to improve all public transport in the area. This important development is a great example of partnership working, and it keeps us firmly on track for eagerly awaited news on the high speed rail link, which would lead to further phased improvements. We continue to lobby for this vital link to Dover and remain optimistic of a favourable outcome for the future.'
Chairman of Dover Pride and KCC Cabinet Member Graham Gibbens said: 'Dover Priory Station is an important transport link for people connecting with the town and port. The renovation will give the station a much-needed facelift for the benefit of passengers.'
Mike Gibson, Southeastern's Public Affairs Manager, said: "We are pleased to be working in partnership with Dover District Council, Kent County Council and the Railway Heritage Trust on this exciting project. We are looking forward to progressing other schemes under our new owners, Govia, who took over the franchise on April 1."
Richard Horne from the Railway Heritage Trust, said: 'The Trust is delighted to be working with Southeastern again, this time helping with the renovation of this splendid art deco building. The Trust has also previously worked with Kent County Council, so it is pleasing to rejoin them, together with Dover District Council, in this partnership.'
