Casual dining at St James Dover is getting a boost with the addition of two new independent restaurants that are both opening in Dover for the first time. American-inspired kitchen and bar, Hancock’s, and dessert parlour, Kaspa’s, will add further appeal to the 150,000 sq ft scheme and take it to 86 per cent let.
The town’s new retail and leisure development, owned by Legal & General Investment Management Real Assets (LGIM RA), is the result of a project investment of £53.25 million.
Taking 4,500 sq ft and 2,400 sq ft units respectively, Hancock’s American Kitchen & Bar will offer traditional dishes from the US southern states, while visitors to Kaspa’s will enjoy the world’s favourite hot and cold desserts under one roof.
David Chick, Director of Hancock’s Restaurants, said: “Echoing our community ethos, St James Dover is a natural choice for our family-owned business to open its seventh location. Taking inspiration from the mix of dishes which best reflect America’s eclectic larder, we provide a great destination for residents and visitors alike to enjoy, whether it be for brunch, lunch, dinner or a special occasion.”
Hancock’s and Kaspa’s join existing casual dining operators Nando’s and Costa Coffee, as well as the recently-opened Burger King. The diverse leisure offer includes a six-screen Cineworld and 24- hours-a-day Anytime Fitness gym, as well as a 108-bed Travelodge and a 445 space car park.
Azhar Rehman, Founder & CEO of Kaspa’s Desserts, said: “Our aim is to change the way that people view desserts. We strive to create an environment in our parlours where enjoying our exciting and extensive menu with friends and family is an unforgettable experience. We very much look forward to welcoming new customers at St James Dover.”
St James is also home to top retail brands including anchor stores Next and M&S Foodhall, plus Trespass, Superdrug, The Entertainer, Shoe Zone, The Food Warehouse by Iceland and Card Factory.
Just a few minutes walk from the centre of the town, St James Dover occupies the regenerated site of a 12-storey tower block that had remained empty for some 20 years. As a newly-built scheme, the development features modern shop units, designed to meet today’s retail needs. As a result, LGIM RA has attracted several new brands into the town for the first time.
A spokesperson for LGIM RA, said: “The addition of two independent f&b operators to St James Dover is an example of the scheme bringing new brands and more variety to the town. This increase in the casual dining choices available, as well as the inclusion of a cinema, health club plus later store openings, will build a stronger evening economy for the town.”
The development is located on the A20, the main road leading to the Port of Dover. The port saw some 11.7 million passengers, including 200,000 cruise passengers, travel through in 2017. In addition to being the busiest passenger ferry port in the UK, and the second busiest cruise terminal in the UK, over 650,000 tourists visit the town each year, especially to see the world-famous White Cliffs and Dover Castle.
In attracting customers, retail and leisure brands and visitors to the town, St James Dover has been a catalyst for the regeneration of the town as a whole. Additional investment into the town by Dover District Council and others, including a redevelopment of the waterfront, will further increase the town’s vibrancy.
Joint leasing agents for St James Dover are JLL and HRH. Additionally, JLL is retail property manager, handling day-to-day operations on site.
