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Exciting Future for Buckland Mill as Gillcrest and
SEEDA Submits Planning Application
2nd February 2007
The regeneration of a former paper manufacturing plant at Buckland Mill in Dover, Kent, is another step closer now that developer Gillcrest Homes and the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) have submitted a planning application for a vibrant, mixed-use development at the site.
SEEDA, which owns the site, has already demolished a number of derelict buildings and removed the culverting from the River Dour, which runs through the centre of the site. The River has been restored to its original course and it is anticipated this will be an attractive draw for residents and employees who live and work at the site in the future.
The 3.9 hectare development, formerly the Arjo Wiggins paper manufacturing plant, will eventually become a mixed-use development comprising of affordable and private housing, restaurant/bar, convenience store, nursing home, children's outdoor play areas and community facilities.
Development Manager for Gillcrest Homes, Alan Burns said: "This is an exciting and ambitious project and we are delighted to be a part of it. We are committed to creating high quality housing, employment potential and integrated community facilities that we hope will be a catalyst for the future regeneration of the whole Dover area. The Buckland Mill site presents us with a unique opportunity to expand our reputation for quality bespoke developments on a much larger scale and we are delighted to be able to work together with SEEDA to ensure that our joint aspirations for the site are realised."
SEEDA's Project Manager for Buckland Mill, Deborah Barnes said: "We want this scheme to act as the catalyst for new investment and development interest in the area. We also hope the scheme will enable the local community around Buckland Mill to become re-acquainted with this site, which has been redundant for a number of years. We look forward to working with Gillcrest Homes and getting this development fully underway in the near future."
Gillcrest's submission scored highly in the evaluation due to the mix of uses, the contemporary architectural design proposed and the inclusion of many sustainability measures.
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