VSBW, a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster, who are delivering the first stage of the development, have calculated the economic benefits as a result of employment, contracting services and goods from local suppliers, and staff accommodation.

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said: “It is really encouraging when we are able to undertake such a contract, to not only deliver a quality project, but also contribute to and support the local communities. With a policy and contractual requirement to source labour and materials locally the development has already contributed £39.2m to the East Kent economy.”

Since work started on the project at the beginning of this year, of the 200 or so people who have worked on the site – 42% live within East Kent and 33% within the immediate Folkestone – Dover – Deal – Sandwich area.  Women account for 14.4 % of VSBW’s Dover workforce – above the industry average of 9%.

World leading economists Oxera recently conducted a socio-economic impact assessment of the DWDR development and, based on accepted methodology, Oxera concluded that new activity related to DWDR could bring significant benefits to the local economy, measured as gross value added (GVA).

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “When fully completed, DWDR could generate up to £765m of local economic benefit through a host of new job opportunities for local people and a transformed waterfront experience for our community and visitors alike.

“Already, through our principal contractor VSBW, we are seeing local communities in and around Dover benefiting from the construction phase of this key project for Dover and the nation.”

ENDS

Notes to editors

  1. Port of Dover

The Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) is a one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover, bringing new investment into the area.  With UK Government planning approval and supported by a mix of private finance and European Union grant funding, DWDR will deliver:

 

  • A transformed waterfront to ultimately attract a host of shops, bars, cafes and restaurants with Dover’s unique backdrop of the harbour, cliffs and castle;
  • Relocation and further development of the cargo business with a new cargo terminal and distribution centre;
  • Creation of greater space within the Eastern Docks for ferry traffic; and
  • Much needed quality employment opportunities for local people.

 

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover with c. £250m committed for its delivery.

DWDR scored ‘Excellent’ for the CEEQUAL Interim Client and Outline Design Award – the evidence-based sustainability assessment, rating and awards scheme that promotes the achievement of high environmental and social performance in civil engineering, infrastructure, landscaping and public realm projects.

www.doverport.co.uk/DWDR 

 

  1. VSBW

VSBW is a joint venture between VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster to deliver the marine structures and bridge contract for the Port of Dover’s flagship Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

With a contract value of £115m, this construction stage will include the design and build of two new berths including quay walls and land reclamation, a new marina pier, the marina curve, navigation channel and new lock gates, Bascule Bridge and capital dredging work.

 

  1. Image

Images courtesy of www.cloudcamuav.com.