DDC is inviting expressions of interest from potential tenants as part of the redevelopment of Bench Street, Dover
Dover District Council (DDC) is seeking tenants for a new creative centre, business centre, and education campus for the digital & creative industries as work gets underway on the redevelopment of Bench Street in Dover.
The redevelopment of the key town centre site by Dover District Council has been made possible with grants from the government’s Future High Street Fund and Levelling Up Fund.
The council is looking for organisations with the vision, skills, business model, and a track record of delivery to become tenants of one or more of the centres, which promise to deliver exciting new opportunities for the local community to learn, start up their own businesses, and celebrate the town’s creativity.
The tenancy opportunities include:
- A creative centre providing flexible space for art and culture, including exhibitions, gallery space, functions, presentations, and meetings, together with studio/making spaces, and the potential for a café and retail
- A business centre providing flexible, affordable facilities for start-ups and small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) to attract and retain skilled workers and provide new employment opportunities
- An education campus providing training opportunities in the fast-growing creative and digital industries, expanding access and the curriculum for local students.
As well as modern buildings, the development will also create a small park where tenants and their clients, and the wider community can meet and spend leisure time.
Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of the Council, said: “This is an exciting project that brings a long-forgotten part of the town centre of Dover back into community use. It’s a great location with easy access to the town centre and St James, and the waterfront and port.
“We’re keen to hear from organisations that want to join us in making a real difference by improving life chances for local people, helping new businesses to start up and grow, and celebrating local heritage and creativity.”
For details on the tenancies and to register an expression of interest by 12.00pm on Monday, 17 July visit the Kent Business Portal.
Posted on 27 June 2023