Port Control East Refurbishment, Dover
Full internal and external refurbishment extending operational life of critical maritime control facility at Dover's busy Eastern Docks.
Scope of Works
Our comprehensive delivery included:
External Works:
Extension of existing block walls
Removal of condenser platforms and making good
Repointing of defective blockwork
Complete repainting of blockwork
Removal of existing render and re-rendering of surfaces
Patch repair and painting of concrete elements
Steel casing repairs and painting
Removal of floor tiles from balconies
Renewal of waterproofing systems and installation of new tiles
Refurbishment of external doors and installation of new doors
Removal and replacement of drainage pipes
Navigation light repairs
Overhaul of existing windows
Installation of new handrails to balconies and navigation lights
Replacement of external ladders and steel platform walkways
Renewal and redecoration of quayside handrails
Internal Works - Ground Floor:
Preparation and painting of lobby, stairwell and generator room
Preparation and painting of timber surfaces
Replacement of entrance matting
Renewal of anti-slip floor paint
Internal Works - First Floor:
Preparation and painting of locker room, stairwell and shower room ceiling
Preparation and painting of timber surfaces
Replacement of locker room and lobby carpet
Replacement of shower room vinyl
Installation of new electric shower and replacement of damaged tiles
Internal Works - Second Floor:
Comprehensive preparation and painting of all walls
Painting of ceilings to communications and store rooms
Removal and replacement of WC sanitary fittings with new splashback
Removal of ceiling tiles, cleaning of frames and installation of new tiles
Preparation and painting of timber surfaces
Replacement of anti-static floor tiles
Replacement of lobby carpet
Installation of new vinyl to store, kitchen and toilet areas
Internal Works - Stairwells:
Replacement of stairwell tread carpet
Installation of timber midrail to staircases
Internal Works - Third Floor:
Preparation and painting of walls
Preparation and painting of timber surfaces
Removal of ceiling tiles, cleaning of frames and installation of new tiles
Replacement of vinyl flooring and entrance matting
Location:
Eastern Docks, Dover, UK
Project Value:
£961,686.57
Duration:
Eastern Docks, Dover, UK
Client:
Dover Harbour Board
Contract:
NEC4 ECC Option A
The Challenge:
The project presented several significant challenges, primarily the need to maintain operations at this critical port control facility throughout the refurbishment works. The building’s coastal location meant exposure to harsh marine conditions had caused deterioration to external elements, requiring extensive remediation while protecting the structure from further environmental damage. Working at height on external elements, including balconies, navigation lights and steel walkways, required careful planning to ensure safe working practices. Additionally, the building’s function as an operational control centre meant minimal disruption to technical systems was essential throughout the refurbishment process.
Our Approach:
Recognising the operational importance of this facility, we developed a carefully phased implementation strategy that allowed port control functions to continue throughout the works. Our approach prioritised external structural improvements to protect the building envelope before progressing to internal refurbishment on a floor-by-floor basis.
For external works, we implemented comprehensive protection measures to guard against the marine environment while undertaking repairs to concrete elements, rendering, and waterproofing systems. Access strategies were carefully planned for high-level work on balconies, navigation lights and walkways, ensuring both worker safety and protection of the operational areas below.
Internal refurbishment was coordinated with port operations to ensure critical control functions could be maintained throughout. This required close collaboration with the port authority to schedule works around operational requirements, particularly for the sensitive third-floor control room areas.
Overcoming Challenges:
Working on a coastal structure presented unique challenges related to environmental exposure and access. The marine environment had caused significant deterioration to external concrete elements, requiring specialist repair techniques to ensure long-term durability. Our team implemented appropriate concrete repair systems designed specifically for marine environments, ensuring all repairs would withstand the harsh coastal conditions.
The need to maintain port operations throughout the refurbishment required careful planning and regular communication with port authorities. We developed a flexible working schedule that accommodated operational requirements, particularly for the sensitive control room areas. When work needed to be conducted in critical operational spaces, we coordinated closely with port control to schedule these activities during periods of lower operational intensity.
Working at height on external elements such as balconies, navigation lights and walkways required comprehensive safety planning. We implemented robust access strategies including appropriate scaffolding systems and fall protection measures. The replacement of external ladders and steel platform walkways was particularly challenging, requiring precise measurements and fabrication to ensure perfect integration with the existing structure.
Waterproofing the balcony areas presented technical challenges due to previous water ingress issues. Our solution involved complete removal of existing floor tiles, thorough preparation of the substrate, and installation of a high-performance waterproofing membrane before laying new tiles. This comprehensive approach ensured long-term protection against water penetration.
Key Achievements:
Despite the operational and environmental challenges, we successfully delivered this complex refurbishment project while enabling the port control facility to maintain its critical functions throughout. The external improvements have significantly enhanced the building’s resistance to the harsh marine environment, protecting the structure and reducing future maintenance requirements.
The comprehensive internal refurbishment has created modern, functional spaces that improve working conditions for port control staff across all four floors. The installation of new anti-static flooring in sensitive equipment areas provides appropriate protection for technical systems, while improved sanitary facilities and shower rooms enhance staff welfare provisions.
The upgraded balconies, navigation lights, and external walkways provide safe, durable access for maintenance activities, with new handrail systems improving safety for personnel. The refurbished windows and doors enhance both the building’s appearance and its thermal performance, contributing to improved energy efficiency.
Through meticulous planning, quality workmanship, and close coordination with port authorities, we have extended the operational life of this critical infrastructure for at least 15 years, significantly reducing the need for reactive maintenance and ensuring Port Control East can continue its vital role in managing maritime traffic at the Port of Dover.