St James sparks interest in town centre property development

The £53m St James development is acting as a catalyst for new investment in Dover town centre with developers looking to bring forward further regeneration projects to capitalise on the success of the scheme.

Local landowner, Richard Sandilands, has appointed architects to design a regeneration scheme for Flying Horse Lane which is one of the key thoroughfares from the town centre to St James. 

Richard said:  "St James has been transformative for Dover and I’m keen to see how I can build on its success by creating a high quality development on Flying Horse Lane. 

"As part of our early research I’ve had some very useful discussions with Dover District Council to see how we can develop a joint vision for the site and surrounding area.  We’re looking to have initial design studies by the autumn for pre-application discussions with the Council."

Project Architect, Nick Dowling, of Holbrook Griffith Development said:  "This is a really interesting site with huge potential.  As a local Dover design and build company we are honoured to have been asked to contribute to Dover’s regeneration on such a key site in the Town Centre.

"The plot on Flying Horse Lane has the ability to link the St James Development with the Old Town. Our early research has already indicated a step change in footfall along Flying Horse Lane which we aim to enhance by introducing active retail frontage using some of the existing elevations to draw visitors from St James into King Street, Market Square and onwards to the Museum, Cannon Street and Biggin Street.

"We see the Flying Horse lane site as a living bridge between the new and the old creating a long awaited new lease of life in Dover Town Centre."

Cllr Keith Morris, Leader of Dover District Council, said: "We always knew that St James would be a catalyst to further development in the town centre.  By creating the modern leisure and retail space that Dover desperately needed we’ve started to change perceptions about the investment opportunity.

"Footfall in the town centre is up, the Port of Dover’s Western Docks Revival is really taking shape, and investors are taking their lead by looking for opportunities to invest.  We look forward to working with Richard Sandilands and his team on the exciting opportunity that has presented itself on Flying Horse Lane."

Dover District Council granted planning permission in March 2018 for 25 new residential dwellings on Cambridge Terrace, and is currently considering a planning application for a mixed-use 28 unit residential and retail development on Castle Street.