Project summary

Described as a ‘one-off opportunity for the regeneration of Dover’, the Dover Western Docks Revival project is primed to increase the development of the port’s cargo business, create greater space for ferry traffic and enhance the business appeal of the waterfront. Our Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) Phase 1 works, incorporating an enabling works programme based at the Hoverport and the Prince of Wales Pier, have made an important contribution to the overall scheme within Europe’s busiest ferry port. Significantly, we generated 17% of cost savings during ECI Phase 1, reducing the target cost from an initial £127m to £105m.

The detail

With a 400-year trading history, the Port of Dover is a major international gateway for passengers, and trade, and boasts one of the busiest roll-on roll-off terminals in the world. Tasked with creating a ‘lasting legacy’ for the Dover area, the scope of the ECI Phase 1 works was to facilitate the creation of two new cargo berths, a cruise terminal and marina.

During our 28-week Pre-Construction phase, we developed optioneering reports for all structures and developed the design to RIBA Stage 3. This was carried out with a cost and programme assessment in order to develop the most efficient programme and target cost. Committed to adopting a collaborative approach, we co-located with our designer (Rambol) and DHB to evaluate and develop the design options from concept to developed design stage.

As part of the ECI programme, we also conducted enabling works for the Prince of Wales Pier. The professionalism of our construction was recognised by the Considerate Constructors Scheme with a Silver Award.