Dover's seafront cements reputation for innovation and excellence with second prestigious award

The Esplanade on Dover's seafront has been highly commended in the Concrete Society's 2011 Awards. Entitled Lifting Wave, Resting Wave, Lighting Wave, the £2 million Esplanade development was praised by the judges for its innovative use of precast structures and "excellent attention to detail" which pushed the use of self-compacting concrete to new architectural standards.

Dover Harbour Board, which part-funded the development, was a key member of a partnership comprising, Kent County Council, Dover District Council, SEEDA and English Heritage. The project brief was to create a modern, attractive new seafront that connected the Eastern and Western Docks. The aim was for the Esplanade 'to become a major attraction in itself, a place to see and be seen, a place where arts and culture can be encouraged to thrive, and a key setting for a variety of creative activities, temporary and permanent.'

Commenting on the award, Bob Goldfield, Chief Executive, Port of Dover said: "This is the second award that the Esplanade has won and further acknowledges the quality and design of this innovative structure that is attracting attention on a national scale. Moreover, it highlights the determination of the Port to play its part in working with its partners in improving the public realm in Dover for the benefit of the local community and visitors to the area."