Dover District Council, and its development partners Bond City and Laker Developments, have confirmed that a key stage in the process for the compulsory purchase for the St James's development in Dover town centre is underway.
In line with formal procedures for a Compulsory Purchase Order (CPO), notices will be published for two successive weeks in the local press. In addition, individual notices are being sent to "qualifying persons", including land owners, leaseholders, tenants and occupiers of any land affected, along with any other person who may have the right to claim compensation. Notices will also be placed on the land itself.
The 120,000 sq. ft. St James's development will transform the retail and leisure offer in Dover with a multiplex cinema, retail and restaurant units together with improved public realm, sitting next to a 120-bed hotel and a residential development at the corner of Castle Street/Maison Dieu Road. Agreements have been signed with anchor tenants, Cineworld, who will operate a six screen 21,000 sq. ft. cinema, and M&S who will operate a 16,000 sq. ft. Simply Food store. Negotiations with other potential tenants are also at an advanced stage.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "We are now at a crucial stage in the development, which we know many people want to see realised. We have worked hard to develop the scheme to a point where we can commence the formal CPO process in respect of the land and interests not currently owned by the Council."
John Laker, Managing Director of Laker Developments, said: "We are starting the CPO process to ensure that the project will be delivered. However, we are hopeful that we can reach agreement by private treaty with landowners without going through the whole process."
