Works to bring the Folca building in Folkestone back into use are due to start next week from Monday 6 March.

Folca will be separated into two parts: the Edwardian part of the site in Bouverie Place and the Art Deco section in Sandgate Road.

The council’s recent successful Levelling Up Fund bid for £19.8 million will partly support the refurbishment of the Art Deco section of the building.

Preparation works undertaken will include asbestos removal and contractors wearing protective clothing will remove asbestos safely from the building and will be using part of Albion Mews temporarily for this process.

Leader Cllr David Monk said: “I am delighted work is progressing on the Folca building. This is a key part of our ambitious project to secure the long-term future of Folkestone town centre.

“This development will have a truly transformational impact. Key to our plans is creating new employment opportunities and encouraging footfall supporting our local businesses.’

To support the Levelling Up Fund bid, the council commissioned a video to showcase the wealth of opportunities.

Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folkestoneplaceplan to find out more about the Folkestone Place Plan.

Folkestone – a brighter future

Following on from the Folkestone Place Plan that was developed with extensive engagement in 2020, the council bid sought to bring forward some of the priority projects identified to realise its future vision for the town.

A Brighter Future includes significant improvements to the road system around Folkestone Central rail station and better signage and improved links to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists.

It will also bring changes to the road network in the town centre area to address the legacy from when the roads served Folkestone well when it was a port town, but are no longer appropriate now.

The improvements include a new roundabout on Cheriton Road, a change to two-way traffic along Middelburg Square north  and the removal of some of the road network along Shellons Street, to create a single two-way highway with more pedestrian crossings. 

These measures will all help to reduce traffic speeds around the town and create a much more pleasant pedestrian-friendly environment.

‘Green heart’ plan

The current bus station provision will be replaced by bus stops along Middelburg Square where there will be more space for bus users and better access into the town.

New greenery and improved public realm will be brought to Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street, making the town centre and a much more inviting and pleasant place.

The bid also includes funding for the first stage refurbishment of the Folca building, and will see the conversion of the art deco part of the building into a useable space ready for new uses.

The drawings below of a new Bouverie Square (top) and improved Sandgate Road (bottom) are by We Made That.