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A missive from the evil empire:-
Dear berth holders and marina users,
The first stage of construction is now underway with the appointment of VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.
During 2016 we have been communicating through the marina users group, which was established to input ideas into the technical workscope for the new marina fit out, and also the berth holder representatives meeting; this process is ongoing. This letter is intended to outline the more immediate changes which will affect day-to-day use of the marina as a result of the establishment of construction zone.
Following key enabling works, the next major phase of the construction programme is set to begin within the next few weeks.
As a result of these works there will be some changes to the seafront area. This will affect the Esplanade, Union Street, the harbour leisure zone and require the closure of the Esplanade at Cambridge Road in order to facilitate the commencement of work on the navigation channel required to connect the Wellington Dock to the new marina.
Vehicle access to the Marina Office including Granville Dock and the Tidal Basin will only be available from the A20. Vehicle access from Union Street to Marine Parade will not be available in either direction throughout the duration of construction.
Union Street car park will remain open and available to berth holders, marina users and car park permit holders. Public parking at Union Street car park will be suspended during this period to ensure marina user car parking is optimised.
The Clock Tower car park and welfare facilities will become part of the construction area and will be relocated in the Union Street car park.
Access and egress to the pontoons during construction will be from the Union Street car park. We appreciate this is much further to walk and have increased the number of available trolleys and are looking into further solutions to accommodate all marina users needs.
Extra care should be taken when in the Union Street vicinity as this will be the main access and egress to the construction zone with the entrance being located on the south side of Swingbridge. A delivery holding bay will be established to safely manage the construction vehicle movements.
There will be increased vessel activity in the harbour and Port Operations will regularly update mariners. The arrival and departure procedure for all mariners will remain the same, and Dover Port Control will give guidance on all berthing and navigation requirements for Dover.
From Spring 2017 dredgers will be operational within the harbour prior to the commencement of piling necessary for the construction of the new cargo berths which in turn will increase the presence of work and safety boats. Regular updates of all construction activity phases will be communicated to all stakeholders and along with Notices to Mariners from Port Operations.
We greatly value our relationship with the local community and ever mindful of the potential impacts caused by large infrastructure projects such as the DWDR development. We will endeavour to do everything in our power to mitigate at all stages of construction. A helpline (details to be forwarded in due course) will be available along with support from the Port of Dover DWDR Communications team.
The revival of the western part of the Port estate supports the developing destination agenda for Dover, being identified as the key catalyst for the wider regeneration of the area. It will deliver valuable employment opportunities both during construction and on completion of the new marina and cargo facilities.
We appreciate your continued patience and support during this exciting waterfront regeneration.
Yours sincerely