Dover Town Investment Zone legal agreements signed

Dover District Council is welcoming major news that legal agreements for the multi million pound redevelopment of the St James' area of Dover have been signed today.

This is a crucial step forward for the regeneration plans for this key site in Dover Town Centre, known as the Dover Town Investment Zone (DTIZ), and means the Council's development partners can move forward with exciting plans for the area.

Representatives from Dover District Council and development partners Bond City met at DDC offices today to sign the Development Agreement and a Compulsory Purchase Agreement. Bond City can now move forward to submit a detailed planning application. This follows news of Asda's withdrawal from the scheme in 2009. Bond City and the Council have been working hard to move this important project forward.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council said: "This is a very significant step forward for this major redevelopment for Dover and the whole area. This means we have put a legal framework in place, and we now look forward to seeing the submission for planning permission. This is an important part of a bigger picture for the district, as we continue to work with partners on a growth programme for the future of the area, and to bring forward opportunities for employment, housing and regeneration."

John Laker on behalf of Bond City said: "We have continued to make significant progress and look forward to moving on to make the St James' development a success for the town of Dover, delivering exciting new retailers in a town centre environment."