A World Class Vision For Dover

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to strengthen links between the town of Dover and its port - symbolized by an internationally-recognised modern iconic structure - has been unveiled.

Top level representatives from the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) met with key partner agencies last week, including Dover District Council, Dover Harbour Board, English Partnerships, Kent County Council and Dover Pride, to discuss development and regeneration proposals to transform the future of the town.

Partners discussed a vision that connects Dover's "string of pearls" - its landmark tourist sites, history and the port terminals. A spectacular tower would be built off the York Street roundabout and be part landmark, part visitors' centre, restaurant and lookout point, part navigation/telecommunication and Port Control. There are also plans for a state-of-the-art landbridge over Townwall Street, comprehensively landscaped to screen traffic below.

These modern structures would symbolize renewal and reinforce the existing internationally recognized landmarks of Dover Castle and the world famous white cliffs.

Proposals follow on from a range of success stories, including: the continuing world leading success of the Port of Dover, its major investment proposals and its key role in the UK economy; the High Speed Rail Link connecting Dover to London in around one hour; growth in the South East and the growing number of initiatives by private and public sector developers, which are all contributing to the revitalization of Dover. This includes key regeneration initiatives with the Dover Town Investment Zone (DTIZ), Betteshanger, Buckland Mill, Dover Priory Station, South Kent College and the White Cliffs Business Park. This follows and progresses the work of the Dover Pride Partnership, which involves a wide range of key partners in the community.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "Never has Dover had such a comprehensive range of projects to integrate the Town with the Port. As the Dover Pride Partnership moves from concepts to delivery, local people will see transformational change taking place ensuring the highest standards of eco sustainability are achieved. There is an "air of confidence" moving through Dover currently. These are long term projects, which will move Dover up the economic growth ladder and make a difference to local people."

Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover, said: "Dover Harbour Board is committed to working closely with our partners on Dover District Council, Kent County Council SEEDA and English Partnerships, to secure the once-in-a-lifetime regeneration opportunities presented by the many initiatives in and around the Town and District, including our own £300 million port expansion plan. We live in very exciting times."

David Ashworth, Area Director of English Partnerships, further endorses the plans for the town: "I am delighted to see these exciting plans come to fruition. English Partnerships is already a significant investor in the regeneration of Dover and we look forward to continuing to support these and other exciting developments that will bring a new and sustainable vibrancy to the town and everyone who lives and works there."

Chairman of Dover Pride and KCC Cabinet Member for Regeneration Roger Gough said: "Dover has long been well-known as the world's largest passenger port and the Gateway to England. We want to build on its international reputation by taking forward these imaginative ideas to create a world-class place."

James Brathwaite CBE, Chairman, SEEDA said: "Seaside town centre renaissance is critical to East Kent. Improving the fabric and vibrancy of our seaside towns and ports, in order to create positive identities and develop long-term sustainable economic futures, is a major goal of our Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for the South East. SEEDA supports the vision for Dover under which it aims to become one of the most prosperous towns on the South Coast with a community that is justifiably proud of its town, its port and its heritage. In particular, we are pleased to be involved in so many innovative and exciting projects to strengthen the links between the town of Dover and the port, and help to realise the area's true economic potential."

Updated from original article published on Wednesday, 20 June 2007.