Construction firm Kier has been awarded a £24 million contract to deliver the St James' development in Dover.

Developer, Bond City, announced the contract today and will work with Kier to deliver the £53 million development in the town centre.

The contract includes the construction of a six-screen cinema, hotel, restaurants, and shops.

This forms part of the redevelopment of the St James area to create 156,915 sq.ft of retail and leisure space.

Pre-construction work on the site is already underway with piling works for the foundation of the cinema and restaurant complex due to start later this month.

"It’s an important scheme for Dover and the area’s economy, and we will be building on our relationships with the local supply chain to help create valuable employment opportunities through the delivery of this key regeneration scheme...” - Paul Abrahams, Kier Construction Southern

The main build will be completed in Autumn 2017.

The St James' development sits alongside the A20, the main road leading to the Port of Dover, and the design is proposed to be sympathetic to the surroundings, with a slate roof and flint wall used on the Townwall Street loading area.

Paul Abrahams, operations director, Kier Construction Southern, said: “We’re delighted to be working with Bond City, Legal & General Property, and Dover District Council to deliver this major project.

"It’s an important scheme for Dover and the area’s economy, and we will be building on our relationships with the local supply chain to help create valuable employment opportunities through the delivery of this key regeneration scheme.”

The site will also include a 16,000 sq. ft. M&S store, a six screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge hotel, and six restaurants.

Clive Lynton of Bond City said: “This development promises to transform the retail and leisure offer in Dover with its prime town centre location and proximity to Europe’s busiest passenger port.”

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, said: “We look forward to working with Kier to realise our vision for a rejuvenated town centre offer with an exciting range of new leisure and shopping opportunities for residents and visitors alike.”