With a value of £15million the contract will deliver the construction of a 9,630 square metre multi-purpose refrigerated cargo facility designed to meet the future demands of the business.

The new RCT will be an externally clad steel frame building with state-of-the-art facilities including eight chambers, each individually temperature controlled and capable of holding cargo between +1 and +14 degrees Celsius (+/-1C), with 20 dock levellers to produce a rapid turnaround for Port of Dover Cargo Ltd customers.

Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director at the Port of Dover, said: “The appointment of Buckingham Group represents a significant milestone for the Port.

“Projected increases in cargo volumes present a golden opportunity to further develop the cargo business and this is key to why the Port is delivering the Dover Western Docks Revival now.”

Scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2019, the terminal will be served by completely new marine and land infrastructure including two cargo berths (Berth A: 251m and Berth C: 300m, plus a dolphin) and Gottwald 5 series mobile cranes.

During construction of the RCT building over 70 jobs will be created. Andy Morris, Senior Project Manager at Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded this exciting, high-profile contract.

“We are looking forward to working with the Port of Dover and other contractors to deliver one of the most important cargo projects in North West Europe and support the creation of new jobs for local people.”

Sam Stewart, General Manager at Port of Dover Cargo Ltd, said: “The new multi-purpose cargo terminal and ongoing transformation of the Western Docks will equip the Port of Dover to meet future demand for cargo services and to strengthen its position as the ultimate strategic location with fast, dedicated and direct access to the wider UK and Europe.”

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover and represents the next exciting evolution of the Port, delivering long-term capacity for a key international gateway handling trade to the value of £122bn and representing up to 17% of UK trade in goods.

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:

• 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;
• 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; 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 to deliver the first phase.

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 

2. Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd

With a company history spanning over 60 years, Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd is a major multi-disciplinary contractor with a turnover approaching £500million and on target to secure a further 25% growth of the business through 2018.

Buckingham Group Contracting Ltd is an established Principal Contractor providing a range of fully integrated, versatile and flexible services to Public and Private Sector Clients throughout the UK & Ireland. Operating from its Head Office, near Silverstone, and regional offices in London, Birmingham, Manchester, Warrington and Doncaster their services include:

• High quality Building projects, (Offices, distribution warehousing and manufacturing facilities) to BREEAM Excellent
• Major Infrastructure works for development sites
• Highways, bridges and structures
• Rail Stations including new build and refurbishment
• Railways and rail engineering
• Sports and leisure facilities
• The delivery of complex site remediation projects
• Demolition and deconstruction projects

www.buckinghamgroup.co.uk 

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive of the Port of Dover, said: “Dover Western Docks Revival is already benefiting our economy, even before it is open – providing business for local contractors, creating new jobs and developing the skills of our workforce.

“Once completed its impact will be even greater, as this flagship development will provide a catalyst for regeneration in Dover, supporting the jobs and livelihoods of local people.”

Since work started on DWDR at the beginning of 2017, of the 251 people who have worked on the site – 43% live within East Kent and 32% within the immediate Folkestone – Dover – Deal – Sandwich area.  Women account for 12.3% of VSBW’s Dover workforce – above the industry average of 9%.

With a dedicated Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) ambassador working with a number of local primary and secondary schools, and attendance at job fairs for young local jobseekers, VSBW continue to add value to the Port’s engagement with young people.

Five apprentices are working on the development and VSBW have spent over 1,937 hours volunteering in the local community and invested £29,387 into community initiatives as part of the Port’s wider corporate social responsibility agenda.

Rob Coupe, Managing Director at VolkerStevin, said: “Since we were first appointed, we have been committed to ensuring our work helps the Port provide an even greater boost to East Kent; be it through creating jobs, providing contracts to local firms or demonstrating to young people what the construction industry has to offer as a career.

“As we move towards completing the first stage of DWDR in early 2019, I’m confident the contribution of our work on this development will be felt as a legacy in the local community for years to come.”

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:

• 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;
• 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; 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 

2. 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.

3. Methodology

Figures calculated using the John Maynard Keynes General Theory of Employment Interest using Local Multiplier 3 (LM3). LM3 is a methodology that can be used by companies, government or community organisations to measure how their spending generates local economic impact and benefit to communities. More importantly, LM3 enables people to identify where changes need to be made to improve that impact.

4. Image

Images courtesy of www.cloudcamuav.com  

The Royal Life Saving Society (RLSS) has praised the Port of Dover for backing its crucial community safety work.

The UK’s leading drowning prevention charity has conferred the status of ‘Friend of the Society’ on the Port in recognition of its years of ‘valuable service’ to the RLSS.

The Port has been a long-standing supporter of the Society’s Kent Branch – having backed a major cross-Channel swim by six of its former presidents, incorporated RLSS best practice into its Leisure Zone Management Policy for recreational water users, and provided a regular safety awareness stand for the charity at the Port of Dover Community Regatta.

Port Chief Executive, Tim Waggott, said: “Safety is at the heart of everything we do at the Port of Dover, so we’re particularly honoured to receive this recognition from the Royal Life Saving Society.”

Former RLSS Kent Branch presidents Kathy Batts, Lorraine Mackie, Tina Smith, Debbie Hunt, Dain Lewis and Cheryl Payne cite the Port as playing a supportive role in their preparation for the cross-Channel relay swim.

The six, known as the Dover Divas, trained for two years in Dover Harbour, had free access to Port facilities and were offered use of one of the Harbour Patrol Launches to support their marathon.

They completed the challenge in just under 18 hours, swimming in one hour shifts and covering – while being shunted by the tide – a total of 52 miles.

The relay netted more than £5,000 in sponsorship which was invested in RLSS community outreach campaigns throughout the county including Save a Baby’s Life and Life Support classes.

The Port has also written RLSS safety advice for swimmers into its Marine Operations Manual, aimed specifically at those bathing in Dover Harbour’s leisure zone.

Serving RLSS Kent Branch President, Fran Payne, said: “The Port has been an important partner in our ongoing work to promote safety in and around water. We’re very grateful for the support it has given us and are pleased to present it with this national honour in recognition of all it has done.”

The 14,000-ton Baltic Klipper is the first of a newly strengthened fleet of five Geest Line ships to discharge its eastbound fruit cargo in Kent following loading in Colombia and the Dominican Republic.

The call follows a relocation of the firm’s south of England cargo handling from Portsmouth, prompted by the need to accommodate a revised rotation schedule and more shipping capacity.

Geest Line initially joins other commercial shipping lines operating from Dover’s eastern docks cargo terminal.

Operations will move to new, state-of-the-art specialist handling facilities at the western docks once a major development project is completed in 2019.

Captain Peter Dixon, Managing Director of Geest Line, who was dockside when the Baltic Klipper came in, said: “The arrival of our first vessel is truly the start of a new era of imports and exports for UK and European trade through Dover.

“As well as being able to handle our requirements immediately, Dover offers the prospect of further growth through its exciting port development on the western docks.

“This potential makes Dover an ideal partner for Geest Line operations.”

Captain Dixon added: “Our move to Dover has been achieved and accommodated smoothly and professionally thanks to the Port of Dover and our agents George Hammond plc.

“They couldn’t have been more helpful.

“The welcome we have had has been extremely positive and we look forward to being an active member of the port community here.”

Geest Line’s move is good news for the Port of Dover which already supports 22,000 jobs, many of them in east Kent.

Barbara Buczek, the Port’s Director of Corporate Development and Operational Business, said: “Geest Line’s fleet expansion and increased capacity have inevitably changed the necessary logistics for their transatlantic sailings, inter-island stops in the Caribbean and European calls.

“We’re delighted that the Port of Dover is their choice for cargo operations in the south of England.

“We look forward to a long, positive relationship with Geest Line as we grow our cargo facilities with Dover Western Docks Revival providing ongoing employment stability and significant future job creation opportunities as well as facilitating a prosperous outlook for the economy.”

The move to Dover comes as Geest Line replaces its fleet of four charter vessels with five larger and newer ships, increasing container and breakbulk capacity by over 40%.

As well as the Baltic Klipper, the new vessels, all chartered from Seatrade, are the Lombok Strait, Luzon Strait, Atlantic Klipper and Royal Klipper.

Two port calls in Colombia have been added for fruit loading while a new stop at Flushing in The Netherlands will help with northern European freight handling.  

Headquartered in Fareham, Hampshire, Geest Line handles all kinds of general cargo from tiny perishables to large project machinery, returning from the Caribbean with fruit, mainly bananas, for markets in the UK and across Europe.

ENDS

Picture caption –

FIRST OF THE FLEET. The Baltic Klipper on its arrival at the Port of Dover.

Notes to editors –

Geest Line is the premier cargo carrier between Europe and the Eastern Caribbean. The company has fostered trade links between the UK and the Caribbean for more than 50 years. For more information, visit www.geestline.com.

The Port of Dover handles 12 million passengers, 2.6 million freight vehicles, 2.3m tourist vehicles and up to £122 billion of UK/European trade. It supports 22,000 jobs, many of which are in the local community. Dover Western Docks Revival will relocate and further develop the Port’s cargo business with a new terminal and distribution centre. For more information, visit www.doverport.co.uk.

Media enquiries on this news release to Scott Sinclair or Ron Wain at Deep South Media, Geest Line’s press office, on 01202 534487.  

The Port handled 2,601,162 lorries in 2017 – up on the previous record by almost 10,000 units. It brings the total increase over the last five years to just under 650,000 units or 33% per cent.

This continued growth, says Port of Dover Chief Executive Tim Waggott, is proof that Dover continues to be the port of choice for hauliers travelling to and from Europe – the UK’s largest trading partner.

The latest figures, released today, also underline the need for a post-Brexit trade deal that ensures continued traffic fluidity at this crucial export/import gateway which handles up to 17% of the UK’s entire trade in goods worth up to an estimated £122 billion last year. As Europe’s busiest ferry port, there remains no substitutable capacity elsewhere in the UK to handle Dover’s trade volumes.

Mr Waggott said: “We offer supply chains the shortest sea crossing between the UK and the Continent and, as such, will continue to be the most efficient strategic choice for hauliers.

“The recent year-on-year increases in freight traffic through the Port and continued growth projections further highlight that this key trade route connecting Ireland, the UK and the rest of Europe is vital to the UK’s economic prosperity as well as the rest of the EU.

“With Brexit talks about to move on to trade, it is essential that all sides commit to the right solution to ensure fluidity at Dover and the wider trade corridor along with a more resilient strategic road network to support it. Jobs and livelihoods depend on it.”

The Freight Transport Association (FTA) – one of the UK’s largest trades associations, representing the interests of companies moving goods by road, rail, sea and air – echoed Mr Waggott’s calls on post-Brexit trade requirements.

James Hookham, the FTA’s Deputy Chief Executive, said: “The ease with which vehicles and their loads can pass through Dover and the French ports will be a big test of the post-Brexit arrangement. With Ro-Ro traffic growing at the current rates, getting clarification on how any future Customs procedures at Dover and elsewhere will work is the top priority for European logistics and supply chain managers in 2018.”

Anastassia Beliakova, Head of Trade Policy at British Chambers of Commerce, agreed. She said: “It is great news that the Port of Dover is setting records, demonstrating its importance as a route for trade with Europe. 

“It is therefore now important to ensure that ports and businesses all across the UK get clarity as our trading relationship with the EU changes.

“The UK Government must ensure to maintain customs cooperation with the EU, minimise customs administration at the border, as well as commit to infrastructure projects that facilitate the flow of goods to and from Europe.”

And Jean-Marc Puissesseau, President-General Manager of Port Boulogne Calais, added his support for fluid trade post-Brexit. He said: “Like the Port of Dover, the Port of Calais is expecting to confirm record freight traffic this year, with 2 million heavy goods vehicles passing through in 2017.

“Forecast growth in freight traffic on both sides of the Channel in the coming years proves that the Calais / Dover route, the shortest and most economical route, remains a strategic choice for the transport and logistics industry.

“It is essential for the Port of Calais and its hinterland that this traffic flow is maintained and that the ongoing discussions between Europe and Great Britain over Brexit ensure the route’s durability.”

ENDS

The Port of Dover Community Fund panel meets twice a year and the next round of funding opens on 2nd January and closes at the end of February, so local groups are urged to get in touch with Kent Community Foundation to see if they meet the fund’s criteria. 

Josephine McCartney, Chief Executive of Kent Community Foundation comments: “On this occasion, the panel have decided to make eleven awards including a substantial commitment to support the horticultural and landscaping apprenticeships scheme at Walmer Castle, funding £40K over the next two years. We are delighted to be supporting these high-quality employment opportunities for local young people and tourism is a buoyant sector here in Kent.” 

Port of Dover Chief Executive, Tim Waggott said: “It’s terrific that eleven more worthy local causes have been independently chosen to benefit from the Port of Dover Community Fund in 2018. 

“I am so proud that the Port of Dover continues to provide benefit to our local community through the support of these exceptional projects and encourage those whose bids were not successful this time, or those who haven’t yet applied, to submit their applications for the next round in the new year. 

“I would like to thank the Kent Community Foundation for administering the Port of Dover Community Fund on behalf of the Port and all of this year’s recipients for their unfaltering hard work and dedication.”

Further details on how apply to Kent Community Foundation can be found at http://www.kentcf.org.uk/apply/funding-round/ or call 01303 814500. 

Pegasus Playscheme

Summer play scheme for children with additional needs

£5,000

The Big Reveal

Musical celebrations for primary school children

£5,900

Dover District Volunteer Centre

The Befriending Team

£5,000

The English Heritage Trust

Horticulture & Landscape Apprenticeships at Walmer Castle Pleasure Grounds

£40,000

Royal Marines Heritage Trails (Deal & Walmer)

Historic walking trail in Dover & environs

£5,000

Dover Smart Project

Employment course for adult young carers

£9279

Salus

Emotional resilience for Y6 children

£6000

The Alkham Valley Community Project and Therapeutic Riding Centre

Track and Trot 2

£6610

Deal Festival of Music and Arts

Summer School & Bold As Project

£10000

Roses Tearoom & Thrift Shop

Heating for community café

£4000

Wetwheels South East CIC

Boat trips from Dover Marina for disabled & disadvantaged residents

£5000

Since May 2015, Port of Dover Community Fund has held five panels and given grants to 56 local organisations totalling £420,947.

 -Ends-

Notes to editors:

Image left to right:

Port of Dover CEO, Tim Waggott and Bishop of Dover, Trevor Willmott

About Kent Community Foundation

KCF helps individuals, families and organisations establish and administer their own charitable funds to support the causes that mean the most to them in Kent. Setting up a fund can otherwise be a complex and costly undertaking that can significantly eat into the resources intended for beneficiaries.

Established in May 2001, KCF has distributed over £26 million in grants and now provides financial support to hundreds of charities and deserving causes throughout the county each year – particularly small, local charities, where a modest sum of money can make a significant impact.

The ‘walking piling gate’, which improves the safety, environmental standards and efficiency of the construction process, has been recognised as an innovation by the Considerate Constructors Scheme (CCS), and is featured on the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub – the key online resource showcasing best practice in the construction industry.

The Port’s principal contractor, VSBW (VolkerStevin and Boskalis Westminster), has been using the custom-built equipment to install large diameter tubular piles for the Port’s new berths, pier and marina curve, and is already reporting the kit has increased the number of piles being driven daily from three to a maximum of 10.

Dave Herrod, DWDR Programme Director at the Port of Dover, said: “The Dover Western Docks Revival is enhancing this key piece of national infrastructure by providing further capacity to keep the port resilient for the long term and providing a game changing opportunity for the regeneration of Dover.”

“The Port of Dover is committed to achieving high standards on every aspect of this flagship development and I am absolutely delighted our marine civil engineering team has been able to demonstrate this in terms of safety of the workforce, and the impact on the community and the environment by developing this innovative piece of equipment.”

The gates clamp onto the previously installed piles and are equipped with hydraulic roller boxes to guide the piles accurately in position. After driving a pile, the gate glides forward autonomously from the crane and hydraulically adjusts its position to prepare for the next pile. Repositioning and levelling of the piling gate without the need of the crane significantly shortens the critical path, as it can be achieved parallel to upending and pitching of a new pile. In addition to piling in straight lines, the new piling gate can also undertake smooth, wide curves, which has proved invaluable with the Port’s marina curve design.

Ron Eckersley, Community Manager for VSBW, said: “As Dover Western Docks Revival involves driving over 651 steel tubular piles as part of the marine civil engineering, the Port of Dover and VSBW decided to invest in two innovative best in class piling gates, significantly increasing the projected piling rate. This has helped us deliver the piling phase of the project in a much shorter period, which in turn has been beneficial in reducing noise nuisance to adjacent neighbours.

Considerate Constructors Scheme Chief Executive, Edward Hardy, said: “Innovation has to be at the very heart of construction; both from determining its future success as well as its attractiveness as a sector to work in.

“It is, therefore, essential that the industry as a whole embraces innovation and continually works to raise standards in how it can be used for the benefit of the local community, environment and workforce. The Port’s DWDR ‘walking piling gate’ innovation has clearly achieved benefits in each of these areas, and has made a significant contribution to improving the image of the construction industry.

“The standard of innovations across construction sites and throughout the supply chain is increasing, with around 500 best practice examples of innovations now available on the Scheme’s Best Practice Hub. This helps the industry to collaborate and learn from one another by sharing the very best practice from Scheme-registered sites, companies and suppliers across the UK and Ireland. The Scheme looks forward to continuing to help to raise standards and share best practice in this vital area for the industry.” 

DWDR is the single biggest investment ever undertaken by the Port of Dover and represents the next exciting evolution of the Port, delivering long-term capacity for a key international gateway handling trade to the value of £122bn and representing up to 17% of UK trade in goods.

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:

• 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;
• 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; 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 

2. 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. 

The Winter Shelter operates out of premises at St Paul’s Catholic Church in Maison Dieu Road and offers a drop-in centre to cater for people who are homeless, vulnerable, socially isolated and lonely by providing supervised overnight accommodation at town centre churches, including a warm evening meal.

VSBW raised funds by undertaking a number of ‘dress down Fridays’ and requesting their suppliers to donate to the charity fund instead of giving normal Christmas gifts. Whilst the Port held a ‘winter festive competition’ in the DWDR Project Office as part of their efforts to fundraise for the charity.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, said: “As the Port helps thousands of festive deliveries to homes across the UK in time for Christmas, it is so valuable that we can also help in providing food and shelter to local people in difficult personal situations.”

Judith Shilling, Treasurer and Secretary for the Dover Outreach, said: “We want to say a huge thank you to the Port of Dover, VSBW and their sub-contractors for the time and effort they put into raising money for us.

“Homelessness in Dover is an issue nobody can ignore, especially in the cold winter months, and the Port has responded.”

The Port of Dover, VSBW and sub-contractors One Way Resourcing Ltd, Sword Contracts Ltd, Coastal Energy Kent Ltd, Chunnel Group and Euroclean Contractors Ltd working at Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) have collectively joined together to fund the evening meals at the Winter Shelter for the next several months.

On handing over the cheque Toni Taylor, Senior Quantity Surveyor for VSBW, said: “Our staff working and living in Dover have allowed us to see the work that Dover Outreach does locally for those who need their help and support.

“I am extremely grateful to have the chance to raise awareness of such an important issue and help make a difference.”

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:

• 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;
• 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; 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

2. 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.

3. Photos

Judith Shilling, Treasurer and Secretary at Dover Outreach; Toni Taylor, Senior Quantity Surveyor at VSBW; and John Smith, Land Works Manager at VSBW (left to right).

As part of the Port’s ongoing support for Dover smART, a local charity working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people through community art projects, it has together with its contractor VSBW raised a special Christmas Fund for young carers.

With so many adult responsibilities, young carers often miss out on opportunities other children have to learn and play, especially during winter holidays such as Eid, Chanukah and Christmas.

Tim Waggott, Chief Executive at the Port of Dover, said: “We have been building this Christmas Fund over several months. It’s wonderful that we can use this to help young carers in the local community and at a particular time when it will make a meaningful difference.

“When you find out what these young carers take on, often not believing they are doing anything special, we are truly humbled to be supporting work with local charities and young people that benefits such a fantastic cause.”

Dover smART Project have worked with the Port and VSBW to upcycle wooden pallets into ‘beach hut’ bird houses, which were sold online throughout the year. More recently, Christmas trees have been decorated to display homemade decorations at the Port’s Cruise Terminal 1 – with all proceeds going towards activities and events for young carers into 2018.

Dawn Maddison, Dover smART Project, said: “We wanted to give local young carers a chance to have a little ‘me’ time and enjoy this special time of year.

“The money we have raised enables Dover smART to buy Christmas presents, provide recreational time through ice skating at this year’s White Cliffs Christmas event at Cruise Terminal 1 and parties for the young carers.

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 

2. 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.

Lily Warren, 21, who attended St Edmund’s Catholic School and Astor College for the Arts in the sixth form, first joined VSBW in January this year where she supported the set-up of systems and processes in an administrative role within the procurement and commercial teams. It is in this role that Lily gained valuable experience with senior quantity surveyors before being offered her apprenticeship in the autumn as a Trainee Quantity Surveyor with VolkerStevin.

Lily said: “I was really excited to join DWDR, but to be offered an apprenticeship route into a career that I was passionate about is all I could ever have hoped for. I’m having the most amazing experience and gaining lots of expertise all the time, which I know will serve me well in the future.”

Lily’s two-year apprenticeship will include a one-day-a-week day release to undertake her BTEC Diploma in Construction and the Built Environment, whilst she also undertakes work-based learning for her NVQ Diploma in Surveying, Property and Maintenance.

Stuart Eckersley, Project Director for VSBW, said: “During her time with us, Lily’s enthusiasm, professional approach and willingness to develop has enabled her to fulfil a supporting quantity surveying function on a flagship infrastructure project in the South East.

“She is very ambitious and I am confident that she will have a very successful career in construction.”

Dave Herrod, Programme Director for DWDR at the Port of Dover, congratulated Lily on her apprenticeship and VSBW for further investing in local young people with such potential.  He said: “It’s very important for the civil engineering sector and the regional economy that we continue to attract talented young people like Lily and nurture them as they progress through their careers.

“DWDR’s apprenticeship programme provides the Port with an opportunity to attract and retain the best talent, while giving young people the chance to work with major contractors, such as VSBW.”

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 

2. 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.