The Bench Tops-Out!

Date: September 2025

Held on a bright, sunny September morning members of the delivery and design teams were joined by invited guests who included key representatives from our client Dover District Council and many of their ward councillors, alongside Central Government funders (MHCLG) and the three key business partners set to move into the building upon completion.

The celebration comes just 10 months after the groundbreaking ceremony took place as the project steams ahead, programmed to complete in Spring 2026 when it will deliver a landmark further education campus, business centre and creative centre.

Set to deliver over £90m of economic benefit to the town, the project is a catalyst for future investment in the area, boosting jobs, skills, and educational opportunities across the district making this pivotal milestone even more of a reason to celebrate.

Marking the occasion, Cllr Kevin Mills, Leader of Dover District Council who gave a speech to all attendees within the building’s atrium said: “We are delighted to see this topping out ceremony take place, and to welcome and thank all our partners as we celebrate the excellent progress made on construction of this landmark building. This is fantastic news that will provide an incredible boost to Dover and the area, supporting regeneration, providing business and creative spaces, and creating exciting new jobs, and access to education, training and skills opportunities for young people.”

In keeping with topping out tradition, all those present signed a large piece of plywood in recognition of their part in bringing the project to fruition, that will be embedded within the building’s cavity, marking this key moment in the history of The Bench forevermore.