New £21 Million Education Hub Progresses in Dover

New images have highlighted significant progress on a flagship building at the center of Dover’s £21 million regeneration initiative. The project, known as The Bench, is set to house a new campus for EKC Dover College, with plans for the facility to open in time for the academic year starting in September 2024.

The four-story structure will serve not only as an educational campus but also as a hub for arts and business development. According to a statement from Dover District Council, “It won’t be long before The Bench building welcomes EKC Dover College as tenants.” The council anticipates that part of the building will feature an arts education hub designed for aspiring art and design students. Completion of the building is expected by summer 2026, ready for the first cohort of students to begin their courses that September.

The Bench is an integral part of the £21 million Dover Beacon redevelopment scheme located on Bench Street. It aims to transform the area into a comprehensive center for education, arts, and business. The education portion will focus on training in creative and digital industries, fostering skills crucial for today’s job market.

Partnerships and Development Goals

The East Kent Space Development Company will also establish a business center within The Bench, catering to start-ups and small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). Additionally, Screen South, a non-profit digital creative organization based in Folkestone, has been confirmed as a founding tenant. They will provide gallery and studio space, further enhancing the creative offerings of the new facility.

The project has received substantial financial backing, with £18.1 million funded by the government through the Levelling Up Fund and an additional £3.2 million from the Future High Streets Fund. These investments are expected to generate over £90 million in economic benefits for the region, according to Dover District Council.

As part of the development, several buildings on the eastern side of Bench Street, including the former Funky Monkey nightclub and a neighboring post office, were demolished in August 2023 to make way for The Bench. A small riverside park is also planned to accompany the new building, contributing to the area’s aesthetic and communal appeal.

Construction is currently in its final stages, with completion slated for spring 2024. Following this, the building will be handed over to tenants for fitting-out works, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing transformation of Dover’s urban landscape.

The Dover Beacon redevelopment initiative aims not only to enhance educational opportunities but also to stimulate economic growth and community engagement in the region. With The Bench, the town is poised to take a significant step toward revitalizing its educational and cultural infrastructure.