Plans for the St James's retail and leisure development in Dover town centre took a major step forward today (Friday, 27 February 2015) after the Compulsory Purchase Order made by Dover District Council was confirmed by the Department for Communities and Local Government. This will now allow the Council acting with its development partner, Bond City, to complete the assembly of all outstanding third party land interests and enable the redevelopment of the St James's area to proceed.
More than 95% of the freehold interests in the site were already owned or have been acquired by the Council by agreement. The Compulsory Purchase Order was requested to acquire the remaining land and interests. A related Order has also been agreed by the Secretary of State for Transport for the stopping-up of roads within the scheme area.
The redevelopment proposals have had far reaching support and strong interest from tenants, including Cineworld, Marks & Spencer, Travelodge and Frankie & Benny's.
In total the development will provide 120,000 sq. ft. of new retail and leisure space bringing much needed private investment to revitalise the town centre.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "This marks a historic day for Dover and the St James's development as we start the process of delivering the new retail and leisure facilities that we know people want."
