Dover Town Investment Zone Update

Following significant progress, Dover District Council has confirmed that it wishes to continue to engage with Bond City Limited as the Council's preferred development partner in the multi million pound regeneration of the St James' area in Dover.

At a meeting of Full Council last night (3 November), it was agreed that the Director of Regeneration, in consultation with the Portfolio Holder for Economy and Special Projects be authorised to complete certain legal agreements, including agreeing specific timetables, and to report back to Council in six months, or sooner, on progress on this major project.

Bond City is developing revised proposals for this key site, known as the Dover Town Investment Zone (DTIZ), and significant progress continues to be made. This follows news of Asda's withdrawal from the scheme late last year. Both Bond City and the Council have been working hard to move this important project forward.

Cllr Frederick Scales, DDC Cabinet Member for Economy and Special Projects, said: "We are very pleased to continue to engage with Bond City on this major project. This is part of an exciting bigger picture, as we continue to work with a range of partners on a growth programme for the future of the district, and to bring forward opportunities for employment, housing and regeneration. The work already undertaken in a range of areas, including having Growth Point Status and our Local Development Framework in place, has set firm foundations for growth. We are already seeing encouraging signs for investment, and progress on the DTIZ represents further signs of confidence in the future of the area."

John Laker on behalf of Bond City said: "We are delighted that DDC continues to show confidence in our ability to deliver this important project. We have continued to make significant progress since the withdrawal of Asda and have introduced new team members to reinvigorate the process. We remain convinced that the St James development will be a success for the town of Dover and will deliver exciting new retailers in a town centre environment."