Multi million pound plans for a landmark development in Bench Street as part of the transformational Dover Beacon project have been given the go ahead by planners.
Artist’s impression of the Beacon project Image supplied to DDC by Lee Evans Partnership
The application for a four-storey building, known as The Bench, for uses including education, business start-up space, studio gallery/creative space and a café was given the go ahead, with conditions, by DDC’s Planning Committee at a meeting last night.
The Dover Beacon project is set to deliver over £90m of economic benefit, bringing investment to boost jobs, skills and access across the area.
A further education campus is set to enable local young people to access education, training and skills in creative and digital industries, and a business centre is to provide facilities to support start-ups and help small to medium sized businesses to grow. A creative centre is to facilitate contemporary film making, digital creativity and immersive art.
The project follows a whole range of consultation and public engagement on design proposals, including a drop-in event at EKC Dover College in November last year.
Building work is set to start this September and to finish in spring 2026, when the building is set to be handed to tenant businesses/organisations for fitting out works.
Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of Dover District Council said:
“This is fantastic news for the town, district and area. This will provide an incredible boost to Dover, supporting regeneration, providing business and creative spaces, and creating exciting new jobs and access to education, training and skills opportunities for young people.”
More details available on DDC website at www.dover.gov.uk/regeneration