The town centre regeneration of Dover has taken a big step forward with Dover District Council appointing Willmott Dixon and Milligan to drive the project forward.

The two companies will now review several council-owned sites in the town centre to bring forward plans for their regeneration as a strategic alliance, facilitated through the Pagabo framework. This will help Dover realise its full potential as a vibrant, modern, and attractive destination in the South East.

As home to Europe’s busiest ferry port, alongside its landmark coastline, rich heritage and medieval castle, Dover has plenty of potential for growth. The alliance aims to realise this opportunity by enhancing Dover as a destination and challenging its public perception as just a place you pass through.

This is a significant milestone in the Council’s vision to revitalise the town centre, creating new opportunities for residents, businesses and visitors. Willmott Dixon and Milligan will now work with Dover District Council on a review that will focus on improving public spaces, increasing town centre living, and bringing together mixed-use developments, including potentially the creation of a public sector hub, which will provide accessible health and public services in the heart of the town.

Previously, Dover District Council’s projects in the town include the award-winning residential development in Leyburne Road, the re-imaging of the historic Maison Dieu (due to open in May), and the revamp of the Market Square with the ‘Bench’ building – a business, education and creative centre – due to complete next year.

With a track record of delivering impactful, sustainable regeneration projects, Willmott Dixon and Milligan will work alongside the Council and key stakeholders to ensure that Dover’s new developments complement its heritage while introducing fresh, forward-thinking urban design and the needs of the community.

David Atkinson, National Head of Land and Development at Willmott Dixon, commented: “We are thrilled to be continuing our partnership with Milligan and working alongside Dover District Council on this ambitious regeneration programme. Dover is uniquely positioned for growth, and we are committed to delivering high-quality, sustainable solutions that will enhance the town centre and benefit the community for generations to come.”

Stuart Harris, Chief Executive at Milligan, added: “Dover’s assets – its coastline, history, and connectivity – make it a prime location for transformation. Working collaboratively with the Council and local stakeholders, we will help shape the next chapter, creating a vibrant town centre that blends public space, residential living, and mixed-use developments. The tourism opportunity at Western Heights has exciting potential to enhance the town’s heritage and tourism offer by introducing something new and very unique.”

This marks a bold step forward in Dover’s long-term regeneration strategy, setting the foundation for a town centre that is both commercially successful and serves the community. As plans take shape, further details on the development sites and proposed projects will be released in due course.

Willmott Dixon has co-sponsored UCL’s latest in-depth report on local authority house building, which provides a wealth of insight and knowledge that lifts the lid on the barriers and opportunities for councils building homes.

UCL’s report on local authorities building homes lifts the lid on the barriers for councils building homes
25 January 2024

Willmott Dixon has co-sponsored UCL’s latest in-depth report on local authority house building, which provides a wealth of insight and knowledge that lifts the lid on the barriers and opportunities for councils building homes.

It’s the most comprehensive look yet at motivations, means, methods and challenges facing local government housebuilding activity. While most councils directly engage in housing delivery, the reports highlights significant issues that prevent this being further scaled-up to meet much needed housing, particularly affordable homes.

According to UCL, there is “a growth in housing acquisition”, with 54% of councils saying they were buying back Right to Buy (RtB) properties, up from 40% in 2019. Four in 10 said they felt the current government policy allowing them to keep 100% of RTB receipts for two years will help them directly build more housing.

London boroughs, supported by the London mayor’s Affordable Homes Programme, are “still delivering more homes than other parts of England”. Over half of all councils (53%) reported that increased costs of retrofitting existing housing, due to fire safety or damp and mould, were impacting their plans to deliver new housing. However, just 7% of councils said the recent wave of local authority Section 114 notices had affected their plans.

Willmott Dixon has been appointed by Rugby Borough Council to deliver a £22m project to create 100 new affordable and sustainable homes.

The Biart Place scheme, located on Clifton Road, will comprise 60 one and two-bedroom apartments, alongside 20 two, three and four-bedroom houses as well as 20 maisonettes. The properties will benefit from renewable energy generated by solar panels and air-source heat pumps, with electric vehicle charging points also available to residents.

The scheme has been part-funded by grants. As well as delivering the construction project, Willmott Dixon’s development team also supported the Council in obtaining a £6.8m grant from Homes England under its Affordable Homes Programme 2021-26 alongside a further £2m from the Coventry and Warwickshire Local Enterprise Partnership via the government’s Getting Building Fund.

Michelle Cotterill, director at Willmott Dixon, said:

“These affordable homes will provide much-needed provision in the area, while also delivering sustainable homes which are low carbon and energy efficient. The development is just part of the regeneration efforts taking place in Rugby and will deliver high-quality modern homes, helping to make the area a more attractive place for locals to stay and for others to consider relocating to.”

Willmott Dixon has been appointed via the Constructing West Midlands Capital Works Framework, which helps procure works that will help the region make its vision for the future a reality.

Designed by architects RG+P, the scheme echoes the Victorian-era housing on the surrounding streets with a focus on creating a sense of place for tenants.

Cllr Tim Willis, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for communities, homes, digital and communications, said:

“We’re delighted to partner with Willmott Dixon to deliver our ambitious plans to develop Biart Place and build 100 new, social rent homes for Rugby. With support from Homes England and the Government’s Getting Building Fund, we have prioritised building modern, energy efficient homes for our tenants while ensuring the design of the development both complements the site’s Victorian surroundings and lays the foundations for a new, thriving community at Biart Place.”

This latest announcement follows on from last month where Torbay Council said they were appointing Willmott Dixon’s development team to accelerate delivery of several sites in Paignton and Torquay.