Dover’s £21 Million Regeneration Scheme Shows Significant Progress

New images have unveiled substantial progress on a key building within Dover’s £21 million regeneration initiative. The project, known as The Bench, is designed to house a new campus for EKC Dover College, which is slated to open in time for the new academic year in September 2024.

The four-story structure will feature educational facilities, an arts education hub, and a business centre aimed at fostering creative and digital industries. According to a statement from Dover District Council, The Bench is expected to welcome its first cohort of students by the start of the academic year next September.

Details of the Development

The Bench is a cornerstone of the Dover Beacon redevelopment scheme located on Bench Street. The development not only aims to enhance educational opportunities but also to stimulate local economic growth. It is anticipated that the project will generate over £90 million in economic benefits for the area.

Part of the initiative includes provisions for a business centre that will support start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the East Kent Space Development Company. Additionally, Screen South, a non-profit digital creative organisation based in Folkestone, will serve as a founding tenant, offering gallery and studio space for creative endeavors.

The project also includes the creation of a small riverside park adjacent to the building, contributing to the community’s recreational spaces.

Funding and Future Prospects

The Dover Beacon Project has received significant financial backing, with £18.1 million sourced from the Levelling Up Fund and an additional £3.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund. The construction is set to wrap up in spring 2024, after which tenants will begin fitting out their spaces.

As part of the development process, several existing buildings on the eastern side of Bench Street, including the well-known Funky Monkey nightclub, were demolished in August 2023 to make way for The Bench.

With the completion timeline indicating readiness for student occupancy by the summer of 2026, this ambitious project is poised to transform the educational landscape in Dover, offering new opportunities for both local students and aspiring entrepreneurs.