£53m hotel and restaurant scheme to open in Dover

Legal and General Property yesterday announced, on behalf of its Managed Property Fund, that it had committed £53.35m to acquire and fund the new retail and leisure development in Dover town centre.

A 108-room Travelodge hotel, a six-screen Cine-UK (Cineworld) Cinema and six restaurants including Nandos, Bella Italia and Frankie & Bennys that would vary in size from 3,300 sq.ft – 4,300 sq.ft will be built as part of the project, known as St James, Dover, a spokesman confirmed.

Costa Coffee has also signed up to the scheme, which has been managed by developer Bond City for more than 10 years and forms part of Dover District Council’s plans to regenerate the town.

The Council is also working with developers to create more than 10,000 new homes in the district by 2026.

“We are delighted to be working with Legal & General who have a strong track record in financing and operating major retail and leisure schemes across the UK,” Clive Lynton, development director, Bond City, said.

“Our pre-construction plans are well advanced, and we will be making a series of announcements in the coming weeks about the construction phases and new tenants.”

Cllr Paul Watkins, leader of Dover District Council, added: “This is a major vote of confidence in Dover from one of the UK’s leading investors who have clearly recognised the enormous potential of the St James, Dover development.

"We look forward to working with Legal & General to transform the retail and leisure offer in the town centre. These are exciting times for Dover.”