CONSULTANCY / Port Master Planning

World Leading Master Planning

The Port of Dover was the first UK port to undertake a comprehensive 30-year master planning process. This resulted in a development plan that aims to deliver the Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR).

DWDR was unopposed when the UK Government gave formal approval for the scheme which, for a development of this scale, is an indication of the exceptional lengths taken to consult and engage with our wide range of customers and stakeholders

It is also a demonstration of the incredible detail of the work undertaken on a wide range of topics. Ultimately, it illustrates our commitment to get things right.

We have developed a master planning process considered within the UK as an exemplar in the industry. The process includes:

• Establishing and looking at the impacts of long term traffic forecasts across all sectors of the port’s operations
• Assessing the capacity of the current port and the drivers of future demand
• Exploring the physical issues such as port access and egress, border controls, check-in, assembly lanes, berths, ferry access/egress and resilience
• Looking at the potential effects of legislation and competition
• Examining the socio-economic impacts and policy fit
• Investigating the historic environment, landscape and visual impacts, transport issues, the natural environment, air quality and noise impacts
• Exploring alternative development options and their impacts
• Developing a bespoke stakeholder management approach

Master planning is also about:

• People development
• Ensuring that the knowledge and skills base is developed to meet the new demands placed upon the people who manage and operate the facility
• Systems development
• Being a catalyst for increasing economic and social improvement in the community

The Port of Dover has faced all of these challenges and has developed a deep understanding of how to make master planning relevant, deliverable and financially robust in achieving a clear vision for future development. Master planning is the key to future efficiency, to competitiveness and to the profitable expansion of the business.