Wheels In Motion For Major Multi Million Pound Makeover For Dover

A multi million pound regeneration of Dover Town Centre, which could bring more than 500 jobs to the area, continues to drive forward with Dover District Council's acquisition and the official hand over of the Russell Street bus depot, as part of the massive redevelopment of the area.

This is a key stage in the major £50m makeover of the St James' area, known as the Dover Town Investment Zone. The depot has been purchased by Dover District Council following the granting of planning permission to Stagecoach for a new base at Menzies Road at the Port Zone in Whitfield. The bus company hopes to move to the new depot within the year, freeing the Russell Street site for demolition and redevelopment.

Plans for the area were submitted by developer Bond City and food giant Asda, and approved by DDC planners earlier this year. The development includes a 85,000 square ft store with 35,000 square ft of additional shop and restaurant space, a 100 bedroom hotel, 53 affordable homes and a new 600 space car park. The site also includes the vacant multi storey car park and Burlington House, which will need to be demolished to make way for the scheme. Construction work could begin in mid 2008.

Tim Ingleton, DDC Corporate Project Manager said: "This is an exciting time for the district and this represents a key step forward in the regeneration of Dover and the surrounding area. This follows major news on the start of construction on the White Cliffs Business Park phase II, and a range of regeneration initiatives which are set to transform the district for the future."

Paul Southgate, Managing Director of Stagecoach in East Kent, said: "There is much investment in the Dover area at the moment and this includes significant investment in improved bus services. Our new state-of-the-art depot to be built at Whitfield will enable us to maintain our new rolling stock to the highest standards and deliver the best possible standards to our customers throughout the Dover district."

Chris Moore, Head of Property for SEEDA said: "SEEDA has already acknowledged its commitment to this regeneration scheme by confirming funding of £7.5m towards the development. We are looking forward to helping our partners Dover District Council in bringing about the comprehensive regeneration of this highly important and exciting area for the benefit of the local community."