Dover District Council takes possession of Burlington House complex

Dover District Council has today (7 July 2015) secured full ownership of Burlington House, the County Hotel, multi-storey car park and surrounding complex along with several other small parcels of land. This follows a successful Compulsory Purchase Order approved by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government on 26 February 2015.

DDS Demolition is currently establishing a compound in Russell Street with works to make safe and strip out the multi-storey car park starting immediately. The contractors will also start the process of screening Burlington House in a scaffolding wrap. The building will be made safe and stripped out internally prior to the removal of asbestos. Physical demolition of Burlington House is expected to get underway this autumn. Demolition material will be processed, screened and crushed in a controlled manner on the former Stagecoach site, with the aim of recycling 95% of materials.

The stripping out and demolition of the County Hotel, Dover Eurochange, the former Light of India restaurant and adjacent premises is expected to commence once the remaining occupants vacate the premises in early August. Agreement has been reached with Bob McGregor, proprietor of Dover Eurochange, regarding the surrender of his lease. The business is being retained in Dover with new premises at 122 Snargate Street due to open on 28 July.

St James Street and St James Lane will be closed off to accommodate these works. Part of Russell Street and Dolphin Lane, which have been approved for stopping-up in due course, will become two-way for the time being to allow access to a number of premises, including Dolphin House.

Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "This marks another major milestone towards our goal of rejuvenating the town centre. It's been a long process and we know everyone is behind us in wanting to see Burlington House demolished as quickly as possible to make way for the exciting opportunities and jobs the St James's development will bring to the town."