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Dover immigration removal centre


Address and contact information

Photo of Dover immigration removal centreDover immigration removal centre
The Citadel
Western Heights
Dover
Kent
CT17 9DR

Main prison service telephone & fax

Tel: 01304 246400
Fax: 01304 246401

Description

Dover is a prison service run centre which was opened on the 29 April 2002 as an immigration removal centre (IRC) having previously been run as a young offender's institute. It occupies a historical site on top of the cliffs with views across the docks. Dover IRC is run by HM Prison Service. Centre manager: Sara Pennington.

UK Border Agency manager: Emma Darrall

Reception times

The centre provides 24 hour access for both receptions and discharges - 7 days a week

Bed spaces
314 - for males over the age of 18.

Facilities include

Education is provided on site via a dedicated unit running a selection of language and other classes, i.e. English, arts, crafts, computers and IT. Photo of Dover IT suite

  • two gymnasiums, one provides weights, bicycles, treadmills and other exercise equipment the second provides a wide range of ball game equipment such as football, volleyball and basketball
  • shop facility allowing the detainees to purchase small items such as chocolate, phone-cards and toiletries
  • external activities are provided and there is a new Astro-turf pitch for playing of ball games etc
  • there are common association rooms where detainees have access to the pay-phones, play board games or simply watch television
  • laundry service provided for the detainees on site
  • several prayer rooms, a multi-faith room and a mosque
  • medical facilities are provided with on-site nurse coverage 24 hours-a-day
  • the doctor is scheduled to arrive at 0900 on a daily basis, for general appointments plus assessments of all new receptions from the previous day
  • there are medical observation rooms and secure rooms for use, as and when required.

Paid work opportunities include:

  • kitchen assistants
  • decorating
  • cycle repair shop
  • cleaning (wing based)
  • food preparation
  • orderlies (gym, education etc)
  • helping hands scheme (detainee reps/translators)

Directions

Train - From London Waterloo or London Victoria stations, book to Dover Priory (make sure you are in the correct part of the train as many trains divide at some stage of the journey). From the station to the centre is a long walk up a steep hill. There is an irregular bus service but taxis are available for a single journey. If you decide to walk, go out along the station approach until you reach the main road (A20). Cross and turn left. About 100 yards from where you crossed, on your right, are some steps. Go up these and turn right at the top. You are now on Military Hill and you must walk up to the brow of the hill where you will see a sign - turn right (opposite BCB Garage) and the centre is at the end of the road.

Car - If coming from the M2 - A2, you should follow the signs for Dover Docks. Come down the Jubilee Way turn left at the first roundabout at the bottom of the flyover. Follow the dual-carriageway to the next roundabout and turn right. Take the first left up Durham Hill. Follow this road to the brow of the hill and turn right (opposite BCB Garage). Follow this road and it will lead you to the centre entrance and car park.

If coming from the M20, follow the signs for Dover. When you first approach Dover you will see a roundabout with signs for Aycliffe and Western Heights. Take first exit, then first right (avoiding Avo car park). Follow this road to the brow of the hill (opposite BCB Garage) and turn left. Follow the road and it will lead you to the Centre entrance and car park.

There is a car park with facility for disabled parking.

  • M2/A2 or M20/A20
  • Dover Priory station, then taxi or foot (be advised the walk is up a steep incline hill)

Visits information

Social visits
Monday to Friday 1345 - 1625
Evenings, Monday and Wednesday 1830 to 2000
Weekends 1420 to 1625

Legal visits
Legal visits booking number - 01304 246486

The legal visits booking line is open Monday to Friday between 0800 to 1200 and 1345 to 1600.
(Legal visits by prior arrangement with HMP'S)

Monday to Friday 0900 to 1130 and 1345 to 1625
Saturday to Sunday 0930 to 1120 and 1420 to 1625

Official visits (Information for visitors and appropriate contact numbers) Please contact UK Border Agency manager Emma Darrall to make arrangements.

Other information

Detention services now operates a policy which restricts the amount of baggage detainees can have in the centre.