A MAJOR UK town has revealed its £500million renovation plans as part of its’ huge 2050 project.
Dover, in Kent, is mainly visited by tourists heading abroad with ferry services across to Europe.
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But the new ‘Port of Dover 2050’ wants to see the area turned into a “regional tourist destination”.
The waterfront, along with the Western Docks and Eastern Docks will be revamped in the multi-million pound regeneration.
The promenade across Waterloo Crescent with get new pathways and play areas.
A new commercial quarter will have cafés and restaurants.
Read more on seaside towns
While the project does not have a confirmed cost, it is expected to cost hundreds of millions with £500million invested across Dover’s renovation.
Doug Bannister, the chief executive of Port of Dover, told local media: “We’re working through what all the detailed cost estimates might be, but safe to say it’s going to be hundreds and hundreds of millions of pounds to deliver it, but it’s over the next 30 years.
“Each of the components, the Western Docks, the Eastern Docks and the waterfront, all have projects that are starting now.”
It’s not just tourist attractions and areas being renovated, as the area is set to undergo huge changes ahead of the EES system being introduced.
First announced in 2022, the biometric checks will replace the need to stamp passports.
However, despite hopes it would be introduced this winter, it has been delayed until next year.
The new checks will require more space for people using the Dover port as passengers will be registered.
Mr Bannister added: “We accelerated the dock infill primarily to create more capacity for being able to conduct a portion of the EES process, mainly the car registration.”
Other changes include an upgraded ferry berth, more capacity for ferries and better cruise infrastructure.
Once finished, it hopes to turn Dover into the “UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech enabled port”.
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Dover has already seen huge renovations in recent years, including the £250million revival of Dover Western Docks.
A long-awaited £10.5m renovation of a historic town hall in Kent will “reawaken” the Grade I listed building.
Dover’s Maison Dieu, a Grade-I listed town hall, will open to the public next year for the first time in its 800 years.
In the mean time, Brits visiting Dover can head to destinations such as Calais and Dunkirk.
Or, you can visit the famous White Cliffs of Dover or Dover Castle, England’s largest castle dating back to the 11th century.
And it’s not the only seaside town getting a huge renovation.
Near to Dover is Deal, which is currently renovating it’s famous pier.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
What it’s like to sail from Dover
The Sun’s Carol Bielfeld tried a European cruise that sails from Dover in the UK.
“From the deck of the cruise ship as we slowly sailed out of Dover, with the White Cliffs of Dover looking simply stunning in the autumn sunshine.
“Taking just 90 minutes from London, followed by a five-minute taxi from Dover, we found ourselves aboard Holland America’s Nieuw Statendam cruise ship – no two-hour check-in at the airport or lengthy wait in crowded departure halls.
“And our ports of call were easy to explore on our own, enjoying trams across Lisbon, strolls along Las Palmas and lazy coffee stops in Lanzarote.
“Sailing to and from Dover meant a stress-free experience enhanced by Holland America’s relaxed, quiet luxury onboard.”
Brighton’s Victorian promenade Madeira Terrace is to reopen to the public under £750k plans.
And Scarborough, the UK’s oldest seaside resort, is upgrading its town with an £11million pier renovation
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