An artist's impression of how the new development in Dover will look from Flying Horse Lane

by Graham Tutthill

gtutthill@thekmgroup.co.uk

Developers are to answer questions today on a far-reaching scheme to develop part of Dover town centre.

Planning permission for the re-development of the St James' Street area was granted in 2009.

Originally an Asda supermarket was to have been a central part of the scheme, but the company withdrew, forcing a partial re-think.

Now an exhibition is being held at Dover Discovery Centre, which started yesterday and is running until next Tuesday.

John Laker of Laker Developments, development managers for the scheme, said: "The concept is more town centre friendly than the permitted scheme, with a new square of stores facing a central landscaped car park.

"It’s too early to say which stores will be going into the new development but we have had interest from a number of major retailers, many of who are not currently found in Dover.

"I’m sure that Dover residents will be very pleased by the tenant mix and it will be a major boost to the town."

The hotel and restaurants permitted as part of the previous scheme will be still be included but will be part of a separate new application. This is to allow the hotel to proceed as the first phase of the development.

A representative of the developers will be there today to explain the scheme and answer questions.