Dover District Council has appointed Willmott Dixon and Milligan to lead the regeneration of several council-owned town centre sites, in a move to revive the coastal town’s urban core.
The firms have been selected through the Pagabo framework and will act as a strategic alliance with the council. The partnership will assess redevelopment opportunities across key town centre locations, including potential for new public realm, housing, and mixed-use schemes.
The programme could also involve the delivery of a public sector hub combining health and civic services in a centralised facility.
Data intelligence provider Glenigan estimates the overall value of the Dover regeneration programme at £350m.
The project forms part of the council’s long-term regeneration strategy. Earlier phases included the Leyburne Road residential scheme, restoration of the Grade I-listed Maison Dieu and the reconfiguration of Market Square, where the ‘Bench’ business and education hub is under construction.
Council chief executive Nadeem Aziz said that “meaningful regeneration takes time” and welcomed the collaboration with private sector partners to deliver a “transformational masterplan”.
The partnership will aim to improve the public realm and town centre living while enhancing Dover’s reputation beyond its role as a transit hub. No timeline or development value has yet been disclosed.
Willmott Dixon national head of land and development David Atkinson said the contractor was committed to delivering “high-quality, sustainable solutions” in Dover.
Stuart Harris, chief executive at developer Milligan, described the Western Heights tourism opportunity as a way to “enhance the town’s heritage and tourism offer”.
Source: Willmott Dixon press release