Following the initial planning application in March 2025, approval has now been granted for residential development at Waterloo Crescent. Octavia Estates will officially begin construction on its transformation in May 2026. Over 18 months, one of the most prominent buildings on the seafront will be converted into 17 modern apartments, with its historical character being retained.

The building itself will be restored with a new roof, cladding repairs, lifts and staircases. The apartments, which will cater for a wide range of occupiers, will range in size from one to three bedrooms, with sales now being managed by East Kent estate agents Tersons and Hobbs Parker.

Jason Ransley, Head of Property at the Port of Dover, said:

“This project is very exciting for Dover and represents a key factor in the delivery of the Port’s long-term vision to 2050, with an aim to enhance local economic growth, increase leisure opportunities, and continue to develop the Dover waterfront as a leading coastal hub in the UK.”

We thank our partners Octavia Estates for working with us on these plans, and Dover District Council for their support throughout the application process.”

Charlie Lockhart, Director of Octavia Estates added:

“The team and I and are excited to begin construction on this brilliant project, which will bring back the charm of a much-loved, historical building, whilst offering state-of-the-art apartments to a growing community of people who are choosing Dover and the South East coast as a base.”

Port of Dover 2050 is the long-term ambition to transform the Port into the UK’s most seamless, sustainable, and tech-enabled port in the next 25 years. The Waterfront and Marina Curve recreational spaces are central to this, with the revitalisation of these areas continuing to take shape in the years to come.

The Port and Electric Hotel Dover Ltd have also recently submitted a new joint planning application for an additional 68 rooms to be added to the current and already approved 90-bedroom hotel on the Marina Curve. This improved plan reflects increasing demand and includes a restaurant and roof-top bar overlooking the iconic view of the White Cliffs and Dover Castle. It will meet the standards of an upper-midscale business hotel.

The Port of Dover will continue to liaise with key stakeholders throughout the re-development process and will release more information in due course.

ENDS

Notes to editors

• The Port of Dover is closing the gap every day between the UK and the world by connecting trade, travel, visitors and communities locally-globally, collaborating with local and international partners to create a more seamless, sustainable and tech-enabled port.
• As the UK’s busiest international ferry port and a vital gateway for the movement of people and trade, Dover handles £144 billion of trade per year, 33% of UK trade in goods with the EU and welcomes over 11 million passengers.
• Dover is an award-winning cruise port, delivering world class travel and visitor experiences to over 20 different cruise lines each year. With a growing and diversifying cargo business operating from state-of-the-art facilities, a new marina which is at the centre of the revived waterfront, plus opportunities for further expansion in the future, Dover’s proud history dating back 400 years has a new modern twist.