Dover retail and leisure complex kicks off

Work is under way to regenerate a large swathe of central Dover with the construction of a large M&S anchor store, a six-screen multiplex Cineworld cinema, a 108-bed Travelodge and five restaurant outlets.

Known as the St James scheme, developer Bond City in partnership with Laker Developments, cleared the site with a demolition programme earlier this year, with utility diversion works currently being undertaken.

Main contractor Kier is reportedly about to begin the main phase of construction work, with the use of structural steelwork expected to play a leading role.

Tim Ingleton, Head of Inward Investment, Dover District Council, said: “Work starting on the foundations of the St James development is another key milestone in our plans to reinvigorate Dover town centre. Investor and tenant interest in the scheme remains strong.”