Landmark multi-million pound Bench building officially opens

The opening of The Bench - left to right are: the Mayor of Sandwich, Cllr Emmet Csuka; the Mayor of Dover, Cllr Bekah Dawes; the Chairman of Dover District Council, Cllr Susan Beer; the Mayor and Mayoress of Deal, Cllr Mike Eddy and Christine Oliver

A multi-million pound landmark development in Dover officially opened today - with the launch of The Bench building bringing a state-of-the-art education, creative arts and business centre to Bench Street just off the Market Square, in the heart of the town.

The Bench building, as part of the transformational Dover Beacon project, represents a significant investment in Dover and the district’s future, creating opportunities for local people to learn, work, create and connect.

East Kent College, Benchworks and Docker Bakery have already moved in, with Screen South set to follow a little later.

The Dover Beacon project is set to deliver over £90m of economic benefit, bringing investment to boost jobs, skills and educational opportunities across the district, with the new Bench building providing the catalyst for future investment in the area.

With funding from Central Government, Dover District Council has delivered the development with the ambition to create a vibrant hub, bringing students, entrepreneurs, artists, freelancers and community organisations under one roof.

The launch follows a number of key milestones, including contractors handing the building over to DDC in July 2026, and the topping out ceremony in September 2025.

Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of Dover District Council said: “We are delighted to welcome the opening of The Bench in Dover, and our thanks go to everyone who has worked so hard to deliver this transformational development. The Bench is set to provide an incredible boost to the town and the area, supporting regeneration, providing business and creative spaces, and creating exciting new jobs and access to education, training and skills opportunities.”

For more information on the Dover Beacon and The Bench building, please see the regeneration pages on the DDC website.

Notes:

The Dover Beacon project is funded by two key funding streams, combined to deliver creative solutions for the future of the town, and includes:  

• A creative centre and underpass improvements with £3.2m of funding from the UK Government, together with a £1.7m commitment from DDC
• An education campus, business start-up centre, and improved public realm with £18.1m funding awarded from the UK Government, together with £1.8m from DDC.