Together the Whitfield Urban Expansion and Connaught Barracks have the potential to deliver 6,250 new homes. Work is already underway on the first units of the Whitfield Urban Expansion, and Homes England is due to consider its preferred bidder on the first phase of development at Connaught Barracks soon.
The development of the Bus Rapid Transit System is designed to take traffic off key local roads and to connect with the growing business community on the White Cliffs Business Park which is seeing major investment, including the new £26m Dover District Leisure Centre.
The key elements of infrastructure needed for the BRT includes:
- A bridge over the A2 for bus, pedestrian and cycle access
- Dedicated bus link through White Cliffs Business Park (to Dover Road)
- Widening of Dover Road and a new junction onto Castle Hill Road
- Junction Improvements at Castle Hill Road
- Potential future development of a Public Transport Hub in York Street, Dover
Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "This is fantastic news and will help us realise our ambition to connect Whitfield to Dover town centre, and high speed services from Dover Priory railway station.
"This investment from central government gives confidence to developers to accelerate house building at Whitfield and Connaught Barracks to deliver the new family homes that are key to Dover’s economy.
"We'll be working with Kent County Council and Homes England, along with developers and land owners to finalise the programme of works which are planned for completion by 2021."
Kent County Council Cabinet Member for Planning, Highways, Transport and Waste, Cllr Mike Whiting said: "I am delighted that the merits of the Bus Rapid Transit scheme in Dover have been recognised by government with the award of £15.8 million in funding.
"Providing the infrastructure will significantly help achieve a sustainable community in Dover by providing access to reliable journeys.
"The funding will also greatly assist in kick-starting housing within the district and manage the subsequent traffic impact on the highway network.
"The success of this bid is another excellent example of collaborative working between the district and county council and we look forward to working with Dover District Council in progressing this scheme."
