A six-week public consultation has got underway this week – designed to help shape the direction of the Port of Dover in the future.

The public engagement programme wants to hear from local people, visitors, port users and wider stakeholders on the ideas the port should pursue as part of its long-term strategy.

It is the latest phase of Port of Dover 2050, designed to develop a long-term plan to become “the UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled port” and “entrenching the port as a symbol of national trade resilience well into the future”.

Key aspects will be examining changing consumer and business trends for cross-Channel travel as well as concerns over the climate and environment.

Doug Bannister, chief executive of the Port of Dover, said: “The level and scale of change seen by the Port of Dover throughout its history, from Roman times to the award of our royal charter in 1606, to today, is simply vast. To remain an established strategic asset for the UK to the present day has taken creativity and innovation at every step to adapt to the challenges of the day.

“Port of Dover 2050 is our strategic masterplan project to help us understand the opportunities and challenges the port faces now and into the future and the changes and potential investments we need to make over the long term.

“With the launch of the public engagement period this week, we are seeking to work with our many stakeholders to identify the best solutions; subsequently driving value for our business and employees, the local community, and the regional and national economy – through economic, environmental, and social benefits.

“So far, through our online engagement hub, we've been delighted to hear from members of the public, community organisations, businesses, and our employees about your memories and aspirations for the future of the port.

“These have informed the possible outcomes and ideas for change we are now seeking other views on.”

Further details – and how to contribute views - can be found on the Port of Dover 2050 engagement hub here.

Community pop-up events will take place at the St James Retail Park in Dover, on March 14 and 16 and at the Dover Waterfront Parkrun on March 16 on the seafront/Marina Curve. The consultation ends on March 31.