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Work to revamp Dover’s Market Square starts next month.
The flagship £3.6 million project got final approval by Dover District Council’s cabinet today (Monday).
It is aimed to create a more welcoming environment for shoppers and a focal point for visitors to the town centre, including a new events space and a unique water feature.
Highway improvements are designed to make the square more pedestrian friendly.
Meanwhile new paving, seating, lighting and planting to provide a more attractive street scene as well as improving links between Cannon Street, St James' Retail and Leisure Park, and the waterfront.
The project is funded by £2.44 million from the Coastal Communities Fund, secured by the Dover Town Team, and £1.2 million from Dover District Council. Dover Town Council has also contributed to the project.
Kent County Council is the highway authority partner and has led on the appointment of contractors, Kent-based FM Conway.
Construction is expected to take nine months with completion next summer.
"Town centres were changing long before the pandemic."
The project is going ahead despite it being revealed at a Dover Town Council meeting last month that the project would be £500,000 more than first thought.
Mayor Gordon Cowan persuaded councillors to a agree to pay an extra £10,000 wanted from the authority, saying the rise was "inevitable" particularly with building costs going up.
Residents and businesses in the square and surrounding area will be kept informed about the construction progress with regular newsletters and an exhibition.
They can sign up for regular e-mail alerts with Keep Me Posted (select 'Market Square Dover' from the list of topics).
Cllr Trevor Bartlett, leader of Dover District Council, said: “Town centres were changing long before the pandemic, but it’s more important than ever that we help local businesses to adapt to new shopping and leisure trends.
“This exciting project inspired by local traders through the Dover Town Team secures the future of the Market Square at the heart of the town centre, creating new opportunities for events and cafe-culture in a welcoming, family-friendly space.”
John Angell, chairman of the Dover Town Team, said: “It’s great to see the revamp of the Market Square getting underway. It couldn’t come at a better time as high street traders and potential investors look for new opportunities in the town.
“We’re looking forward to working with partners to deliver an exciting programme of events in the Market Square.”
Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, David Brazier, said: “I am delighted KCC is playing a role in shaping the future of Dover’s town centre.
“Working with our contractors, we will be supporting the delivery of this project by improving links and making the area more suitable for pedestrians.
“Along with the new event space and water feature, this rejuvenation should serve as recognition of the vibrant and attractive place Dover has the potential to be.”
