Underpass overhaul part of multimillion-pound plan

Renovation work has begun on a Dover underpass as part of a multimillion-pound overhaul of the town centre.

Key improvements to the Townwall Street pedestrian tunnel under the A20 will help better connect the high street and the waterfront, according to Dover District Council.

The facelift is part of the authority's transformative Dover Beacon project and is set to complement the building of an all-in-one creative hub, education campus and business centre on nearby Bench Street.

Council leader Kevin Mills called it "another exciting development for the future of the district".

Work on the underpass will include new "bold and creative" visuals on the walls, resurfaced footpaths and cycleways, repainted handrails, walls and ceilings, renewed cycle lane markings, cleaned light fittings and the replacement of broken tiles and drainage grills.

The Townwall Street and Bench Street developments are the result of the council securing Future High Street funding in 2021 and Levelling Up money in 2023.

Enhancement of the underpass is scheduled to be completed by the end of this year.

"We are delighted to see these works starting," said Mills.

"A lighter and brighter underpass will help to link the town centre and the seafront, and complement the landmark development of The Bench building within the Dover Beacon project.

"We're continuing to see major projects coming together to develop a vibrant mix of business, education, and cultural opportunities."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.