UPDATE: New images confirm rapid progress on the flagship £21 million regeneration project in Dover, set to transform the town’s educational landscape. The striking Bench building, part of this ambitious initiative, is on track to open its doors next summer, welcoming the first cohort of students by September 2024.
Officials from the Dover District Council announced that the new four-story structure will house the EKC Dover College campus, alongside an arts education hub designed for aspiring art and design students. “It won’t be long before The Bench building welcomes EKC Dover College as tenants,” the council stated, emphasizing the importance of this development for local education.
The Bench building is pivotal to the Dover Beacon redevelopment, which aims to revitalize Bench Street. The project includes state-of-the-art facilities for training in creative and digital industries, ensuring that students are prepared for the future job market. Additionally, a business center will support start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the East Kent Space Development Company.
A major highlight is that Screen South, a non-profit digital creative organization, will be a founding tenant, providing gallery and studio space that will foster creativity in the community. The development also includes plans for a small riverside park, enhancing the area’s appeal.
Construction is expected to wrap up in the spring of 2024, at which point the building will be handed over to tenants for interior fitting-out. The project has seen substantial funding, with £18.1 million allocated from the Levelling Up Fund and an additional £3.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund. According to the Dover District Council, this redevelopment is projected to generate over £90 million in economic benefits for the region.
However, this transformation has not come without change, as the development required the demolition of previous structures on Bench Street, including the former Funky Monkey nightclub and a neighboring post office, which were both demolished in August 2023.
Residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay updated as the final stages of construction progress. The completion of The Bench building not only signifies a monumental shift in Dover’s educational offerings but also positions the town as a hub for creativity and business development.
As this project evolves, the community eagerly awaits the new opportunities it will bring, shaping the future of education and economic growth in Dover.
