UPDATE: New images have just emerged, showcasing rapid progress on the flagship £21 million regeneration scheme in Dover. The construction of the landmark Bench building is on track, with plans to open a new college campus by next summer.
The new facility is anticipated to welcome its first cohort of students in time for the academic year starting in September 2024. Officials from Dover District Council confirmed that the building will serve as a hub for EKC Dover College, providing essential training in creative and digital industries.
“Part of the building will be an arts education hub for aspiring art and design students,” the council stated. The completion of the project is slated for summer 2026, aligning with the academic calendar for the upcoming courses.
The Bench building is a key element of the larger Dover Beacon redevelopment scheme, which is being funded in part by £18.1 million from the Levelling Up Fund and £3.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund. This ambitious project is expected to generate over £90 million in economic benefits for the region, according to council projections.
This four-story structure will not only house educational facilities but also feature a business center aimed at supporting start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The East Kent Space Development Company is involved in creating this business environment, while Screen South, a non-profit digital creative organization, will provide gallery and studio space as a founding tenant.
In an effort to enhance community engagement, a small riverside park is also being developed alongside the building, further enriching the local landscape. As construction approaches its final stages, the project is set to be handed over to tenants for fitting-out works in the spring.
However, the development has come with some controversy, as it necessitated the demolition of several buildings, including the beloved former Funky Monkey nightclub and a neighboring former post office, which were taken down in August 2023.
Residents and stakeholders are watching closely as the project progresses, understanding its potential to transform the area and provide significant educational and economic opportunities. The Dover community is on edge, awaiting the next steps in this transformative initiative that promises to reshape the heart of their town.
This is a developing story, and we will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Share your thoughts on this transformative project as it unfolds!
