Posted on January 10, 2017
By Tom Pyman, kentnews.co.uk
Construction is underway on a £115m project to revive Dover’s Western Docks.
The Port of Dover has appointed VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the development.
The first construction stage includes the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, bascule bridge and capital dredging work.
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 area.
Bosses say it will deliver valuable employment opportunities both during construction and on completion of the new cargo facility.
Tim Waggott, chief executive, Port of Dover, said: “This is the next important step towards the realisation of our shared vision.
“We are moving ever closer to significantly increasing the local economic benefit derived from the port through a host of new job opportunities for local people and a transformed waterfront experience that Dover Western Docks Revival will provide.
“Already, together with our contractors, we are beginning to generate opportunities by working with local suppliers and skills providers to maximise the local benefits throughout the construction phase. What a great way to start the new year.”
Rob Coupe, managing director at VolkerStevin, said: “We are delighted to be awarded the contract by the Port of Dover to design and build this stage of the Dover Western Docks Revival.
“Our extensive experience in managing complex marine projects leaves us well qualified to deliver this significant scheme.”
Boskalis Westminster will undertake dredging, reclamation and compaction work, and its managing director, Paul de Jong, added: “We look forward to bringing our UK and international experience of dredging and related works to this prestiguous, nationally and locally significant infrastructure project and renewing our long association with the Port of Dover.”
Following key enabling works, this major phase of the construction programme is set to begin within the next few weeks and is scheduled to be completed at the end of 2018.
It was revealed last year that reclaimed concrete and demolition material from other projects in Dover are forming the foundations of the development.
Bosses said the project has stockpiled 46,000 tonnes of aggregate from the Prince of Wales Pier enabling work and St James development to create what they believe is a sustainable legacy of material processing and recycling.
Source: kentnews.co.uk
