Western Docks Revival 

Project Summary 

McLaughlin & Harvey, working in joint venture with Boskalis Westminster, completed the £53m Dover Western Docks Revival (DWDR) Stage 3B project, creating 10 hectares of new port land to support the Port of Dover’s long-term development plans.

Commencing in June 2024, the project transformed areas of the Wick Channel, Tidal Basin and Granville Dock through extensive marine and civil engineering works, providing additional space for future commercial development and improved connectivity across the Western Docks.

Engineering & Construction

The project involved placing nearly 900,000 cubic metres of infill material to raise the existing dock bed to approximately 0.5 metres below the surrounding quay walls. Specialist ground improvement techniques, including dynamic compaction and surcharge loading, were used to consolidate the material and prepare the site for future development.

A significant programme of demolition and decommissioning was undertaken before infilling could begin. This included removing pontoons, gangways and redundant marina services, alongside the dismantling of the Granville and Wellington Dock lock gates and Union Street Swing Bridge.

Works also included the demolition of sections of the North and South Piers, removal of existing piles and construction of new quay wall and closure structures at Wick Channel and Wellington Dock to retain the infill material.

To connect the newly formed land with existing port infrastructure, the team constructed new highways and heavy-duty pavements, together with upgraded drainage, power and communications networks.

A key element was the extension of the Southern Water outfall, involving the construction of a 7.5-metre-deep pumping station and installation of 435 metres of new rising main to maintain effective surface water drainage across the site.

Logistics & Delivery

Delivering the works within one of the UK’s busiest ports required careful coordination to maintain existing operations and minimise disruption to surrounding businesses, tenants and the public.

The removal of Union Street Swing Bridge required a temporary road diversion to maintain access for cargo vehicles, while temporary pumping arrangements ensured the existing Southern Water drainage system remained operational throughout construction.

The project also presented several engineering challenges, including unforeseen obstructions during piling, varying ground conditions and the need to manage settlement as the new land was formed.

Working closely with the design team, the project team reviewed ground investigation results and adapted construction methods to address these challenges while maintaining progress.

Regular stakeholder meetings with the Port of Dover and local operators, including the marina and immigration centre, helped coordinate activities and manage interfaces throughout the programme.

Supporting Port of Dover’s future Development  

The completed scheme supports the Port of Dover’s 2050 masterplan, which sets out its vision to become the UK’s most seamless, sustainable and technology-enabled port.

The masterplan identifies future investment opportunities across the Eastern Docks, Western Docks and Waterfront, with the newly created land providing space for commercial development and improved connections between existing and future port facilities.

Building on the successful completion of Stage 3B, McLaughlin & Harvey has since secured places on two lots of the Port of Dover’s new Project Contractor Framework.

Running until May 2032, the framework covers Berths & Marine works, delivered by its Civil Engineering division, and Building Fabric & Services, delivered by its WorkSpace division, providing further opportunities to support the Port’s long-term development.