Plans underway to transform Dover's town centre

The town was described as "a prime location for transformation"

Plans are underway for an "ambitious regeneration programme" in the centre of a Kent town.

Dover District Council has teamed up with private contractors and developers to "boost regeneration and economic growth" and revitalise Dover as "a place to live, work, visit, learn and invest".

The news precedes the upcoming reopening of the Maison Dieu - its historic town hall - following a £10.4m restoration, the ongoing construction of business, education and creative centre The Bench building and the new-look Market Square.

Nadeem Aziz, Chief Executive of Dover District Council, said the work will "help realise its full potential as a thriving town centre".

In partnership with Willmott Dixon and Milligan, the council is looking at improving public spaces, increasing town centre living and bringing together mixed-used developments.

This includes the possible creation of a public sector hub providing health and public services in the centre of the town.

Mr Aziz added: "We know how much potential Dover town centre has and we're already seeing this with projects such as the Maison Dieu and The Bench building.

"But there is so much more it has to offer and this work will help realise its full potential to create a thriving town centre.

"Our residents are at the heart of everything we do and blending public and private sector investment will create a transformational masterplan to benefit the community."

David Atkinson, national head of land and development at Willmott Dixon, called Dover "uniquely positioned for growth", adding that he was "thrilled to be working on this ambitious regeneration programme".

In addition, Stuart Harris, chief executive at Milligan, said: "Dover's assets, like its coastline, history, and connectivity, make it a prime location for transformation.

"Working collaboratively with the council and local stakeholders, we will help shape its next chapter."

A council spokesperson added that "further details on the development sites and proposed projects will be released as the plans take shape."