Major news has been welcomed with English Partnerships' official announcement of its acquisition of the Connaught Barracks site. This follows a press conference and site visit last week with Baroness Ford, Chairman of English Partnerships. This clears the way for plans for a sustainable and nationally acknowledged scheme of eco-excellence that will put Dover at the forefront on a national stage as a leader in this field.
The acquisition of the site means plans can be taken forward for a residential development of around 500 units with associated community facilities, with the intention of developing a nationally acknowledged scheme. This follows extensive work with Dover District Council and partners in the community to ensure the site is used to best effect for the benefit of local people. Plans for the site will now be developed, involving the local community as part of this process.
This follows a range of major developments coming together for Dover and the district. Work on key developments can already be seen underway, including construction on the White Cliffs Business Park and Dover Watersports Centre, work on the new transport depot for Stagecoach, which is an important step in bringing forward the comprehensive development of Dover Town Centre, and improvements to Dover Priory in advance of the high speed rail link, which is due to arrive in 2009.
Cllr Paul Watkins, Leader of DDC said: "We are continuing an enhanced relationship with national regeneration agency English Partnerships. The Barracks site is a major step to enable a range of houses and a level of development that will complement the district's emerging regeneration agenda. English Partnerships and sister organization SEEDA are in Dover for the long term and the public should be reassured the right type of development with the best possible eco-standards will be taking place."
