These distinctive arches are expected to be part of a new-look Market Square.

This is part of a £2.9 million project to revamp Dover’s main square, which is set to get underway next summer.

The changes include a new event space and water feature plus highways improvements to make the square more pedestrian-friendly.

There will also be work to create a more attractive street scene and improve links between Cannon Street and St James' Dover Retail and Leisure Park and Dover Waterfront at the Western Docks.

The scheme is a partnership between the local businesses group Dover Town Team and Dover District Council.

It follows a successful £2.4 million bid to the government’s Coastal Communities Fund.

The council has agreed in principle to a £500,000 contribution to the project, subject to cabinet approval in the spring.

The plans were originally developed by the Dover Town Team following a series of public consultation events.

Final designs will be published early in the New Year when local residents and businesses will also be able to have their say on them.

The process for appointing contractors has begun and new traffic orders will also be published in early January.

John Angell, chairman of Dover Town Team, said: “2020 has been an incredibly challenging year for local traders so it’s great to end the year on a positive note.

“The revamp of the Market Square is a visible sign that Dover continues to invest in the future of the traditional town centre as a place for local people and visitors to meet, shop, and enjoy their leisure time.”

Council leader Trevor Bartlett said: “The future for Dover is bright, with multi-million pound investments in the Market Square, Dover Waterfront, and the restoration of the Maison Dieu, all creating new reasons for both local people and tourists to visit.”

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