Boskalis Westminster's joint venture (JV) with VolkerStevin has reached a major milestone on the multi-million pound Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) development.

VSBW has started working on a connection to link the historic and new marina facilities together. The 19th century sea wall will be removed to make way for the new Wellington Navigation Channel.

The scheme will unlock a new navigational route for all vessels entering or leaving the Wellington Dock from the new future marina.

Once completed, work will begin to install sheet pile cofferdam to allow the construction of reinforced concrete walls and the base of the cut. The sheet piles will be installed using large specialist equipment.

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The new Wellington Navigation Channel will also include the construction of a new bascule bridge and a pedestrian footpath behind the orginal seawall, connecting the new marina curve and marina to the seafront esplanade.

Jack Goodhew, General manager – special projects, Port of Dover, said: "Connectivity is an important part of DWDR, linking old and new parts of the waterfront and the wider Port estate, such as the historic Cruise Terminal 1, to create a new destination for Dover that our community and visitors alike can explore."

Eckersley, project director for VSBW, said: "We have given special consideration to the local environment by bringing the sheet pile delivery directly into the port via barges to minimise the impact on the surrounding roads and community."

Construction works on the DWDR are scheduled for completion at the end of 2018.

(LM)