Investing in Dover Market Square Revamp

A £2.9m project to revamp Dover’s Market Square is set to get underway in Summer 2021, creating a more welcoming environment for local shoppers and a focal point for visitors to the town centre. 

The revamp includes a new event space and water feature, highways improvements to make the Market Square more pedestrian friendly, and new public realm to create a more attractive street scene at the Market Square, improving links between Cannon Street with St James and the Waterfront.

Following a successful £2.4m bid to the government’s Coastal Communities Fund, the Dover Town Team and Dover District Council are working in partnership to deliver the project.  DDC has agreed in principle to a £500k contribution to the project, subject to Cabinet approval.

The plans were originally developed by the Dover Town Team following a series of public engagement events.  Final designs will be published early in the New Year when local residents and businesses will also be able to have their say on the final designs.

The process for appointing contractors has begun, and new traffic orders will also be published in early January.

 John Angell, Chairman of the Dover Town Team, said: “2020 has been incredibly challenging year for local traders, so it’s great to end the year on a positive note.

 “The revamp of the Market Square is a visible sign that Dover continues to invest in the future of the traditional town centre as a place for local people and visitors to meet, shop, and enjoy their leisure time.”

Cllr Trevor Bartlett, Leader of Dover District Council, said: “The future for Dover is bright, with multi-million pound investments in the Market Square, Dover Waterfront, and the restoration of the Maison Dieu, all creating new reasons for both local people and tourists to visit.”