North-west view of Dover Beacon coming from Market Square (Image provided by Lee Evans Partnership)
Archaeologists have started work on the site of the Dover Beacon project ahead of construction starting later in the year.
The works started this week at the Bench Street site, which will eventually be home to The Bench building – a new further education digital/creative campus, business centre and creative centre.
Excavations are expected to be completed by the end of May, but this is subject to change depending on what may be found.
The first two weeks will involve a drilling rig taking core samples to help understand the history and archaeology of the project area.
Following this, work will start on the excavation of archaeological trenches and trial pits.
Dover District Council’s project team has been working with a range of experts including Canterbury Archaeological Trust, who have extensive knowledge of the archaeology of the town and will be leading the archaeological work.
There is likely to be some noise and vibration in the early days as the car park surface is broken up. Working hours will be 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday.
All efforts will be made to keep noise and dust to a minimum and we apologise for any disturbance caused.
Leader of the council Cllr Kevin Mills said: “This activity on site shows we are moving quickly on this ambitious project to breathe new life and opportunities into an underused part of the town.
“We are committed to creating a first-class further education campus, business centre and creative centre which will not only provide huge benefits to our residents and young people, but give our local economy a significant boost.”
Notes:
Dover Beacon has been part-funded by the UK Government.
- £18.1m Levelling Up Fund (LUF)
- £3.2m Future Hight Streets Fund
Posted on 16 April 2024