A distinctive seafront building could be transformed into 17 new homes, it has been revealed.

A planning application has been submitted by the Port of Dover to Dover District Council (DDC) to convert the historic building in Waterloo Crescent into flats.

It comes as the last remaining tenant, the Royal Cinque Ports Yacht Club, was last month granted planning permission by DDC to move to a new clubhouse.

This will be at an extended and refurbished building a few minutes’ walk away next to the Clock Tower at the Marina Curve.

The plan for the Grade II-listed building, known as Waterloo Crescent, is part of the ongoing redevelopment of Dover’s seafront.

Jason Ransley, head of property at the Port of Dover said: “Waterloo Crescent sits at the heart of the Dover waterfront.

“At a time when the port, Dover and surrounding coastal areas are going through re-development, it’s the perfect opportunity to restore the building to support local economic growth.

“The character of building is to be kept but with restoration and modern alterations.”

As part of the renovation, a new roof is planned, plus cladding repairs, lifts and staircases.

The apartments would be a mix of one to three bedrooms and construction is expected to last 16 months, starting in November, subject to planning permission.

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Dover Western Docks and its immediate seafront area have changed beyond recognition over the past few decades.

Changes particularly occurred since the hovercraft and catamaran services ended in the 2000s and were accelerated over the last decade by a massive redevelopment of the area.

This was through the £250 million Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) project, the Port of Dover’s single biggest investment.

That has included the opening of the Marina Pier walkway, the Marina Curve, and Clock Tower Square. The latter is home to a popular cafe and several food kiosks.

A hotel is also planned for the area.

DWDR ended at the end of last year with the infilling of Granville Dock with neighbouring waterways Tidal Basin and Wick Channel.

This is to make space for vehicles when they are checked when the new Entry/Exit System (EES) is launched, expected later this year.

In addition, hundreds of millions of pounds are proposed to be spent overhauling the waterfront for the recently-emerged Dover 2050 project.

The work is in three areas over the next three decades and includes new homes, offices and improvements to the port.

For example, at the Eastern Docks the port infrastructure will be modernised with new and upgraded ferry berths.

The promenade along Waterloo Crescent and opposite the beach will see the addition of a play area for children.

Land once taken by De Bradelei Wharf shopping centre, which was demolished in 2023, could be converted into a new commercial quarter.