The gates at Connaught Barracks are being opened this evening (Wednesday) so that people from the community can hear what is being planned for the site.

The Homes and Communities Agency is leading the redevelopment of part of the 56-hectare site which could include 500 new homes as well as commercial, education, training and heritage uses.

Local residents, and representatives from the Friends of Dover Castle, Western Heights Preservation Society, Guston Primary School and Burgoyne Height Community Association have been invited to the consultation.

“We are committed to providing high quality, sustainable and affordable places for people to live and work,” said Akin Durowoju, head of area at the HCA.

“Any plans would need to meet the needs of the local community, include at least 30 per cent affordable homes and have a positive impact on the local economy. The ambition is also to achieve a low or carbon-zero development.

“Connaught Barracks offers a rare opportunity to create a residential development in a setting with a rich history and outstanding views to Dover Castle and across the Channel.

“In developing our plans we want to understand the aspirations of the community, enhance the rich heritage of the site, and achieve the highest sustainability standards to protect the legacy of the site for the future.”

The feedback from the consultation will be used to prepare development options by the end of the year. Regeneration of the barracks site could begin from the summer of 2011.