Prince of Wales pier: Works set to start to transform monument and build marina and piazza
Published: 00:01, 30 December 2015
Walking to the end of the Prince of Wales pier and looking back on Dover’s skyline will be a thing of the past in the new year.
The Grade II listed monument, which has seen generations enjoy its views, is set to be completely transformed.
It will make way for the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) scheme which intends to create 600 jobs and safeguard 140.
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Digital pictures supplied by the Port of Dover show how the area could look when it is finished in 2019.
It is set to include a new cargo and distribution facility, as well as a community leisure space.
A new marina, a piazza and more public access is also part of the plan.
VIDEO: Dover's Prince of Wales pier set to shut
Contractors Graham will be preparing to start the work early next month.
Nigel Bodell, head of planning at the port, described the extent of the works, which include incorporating the pier into the new plans.
He said: “At first glance the enabling works may seem like a simple exercise that some would call a demolition project, but on closer inspection it is a controlled deconstruction of the upper part of the pier.
“The pier has to be closed during the construction period for obvious safety reasons but when completed the new marina curve will be publicly accessible and, when combined with the new marina pier, will continue to provide and enhance the recreational environment of Dover seafront.”
Planning permission was granted in November to allow Dover Harbour Board to remove the listed furniture on the pier.
It was given on the condition that more information was released about how and where it will be stored.
MP Charlie Elphicke said: “I think it is a real shame that the pier is being closed but if we see the DWDR scheme carried through as planned we are going to have a really great western arm of the port.
“With the level of concern with the pier, it is important that the Dover Harbour Board and the Port Community Forum listen to the Dovorians.
“It is important they keep in touch and involve people on the future and listen to what they have to say.”
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Victoria Chessum