The ambitious “Folkestone – A Brighter Future” project, set to revitalize the heart of Folkestone town centre, has reached a significant milestone with a quarter of its extensive program now complete. This multi-faceted initiative promises a substantial boost to the area’s regeneration, with current efforts focused on crucial road redesigns and enhancements to traffic flow.
Partners, including contractors Jacksons Civil Engineering, Kent County Council (KCC), and Folkestone & Hythe District Council, are working collaboratively to minimize disruption during this transformative phase. A key example of their proactive approach can be seen at the Radnor Park roundabout, where the four-way traffic-controlled lights can now be manually operated during the day to alleviate congestion. A dedicated KCC officer also conducts regular visits to monitor the system’s effectiveness and recommend necessary adjustments, ensuring optimal traffic management.
For comprehensive details on all current traffic management plans, including those for Radnor Park roundabout and Shellons Street and Forrester Way, residents are encouraged to visit the Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s website at folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/fabf-phase-two.
Beyond road improvements, the project encompasses significant changes to the town’s infrastructure. The Folkestone bus station is set to transition to a more efficient linear layout, while Bouverie Square will be meticulously restored to its former glory as a tranquil garden square, offering a green oasis in the town centre.
Temporary Changes to Bus Services Announced
As part of these developments, there will be temporary changes to bus services. Effective Tuesday, September 2nd, the two bus stops currently located outside the main bus station will be temporarily relocated. National Express services will move to the bus stop situated outside the back of Sainsbury’s on Bouverie Road West. Furthermore, the rest of the Folkestone bus station will close its doors on Saturday, September 20th. Stagecoach services currently operating from the bus station will instead run from temporary stops erected along Middelburg Square.
Stagecoach has confirmed that detailed information regarding routes and their respective temporary bus stops will be made available from Friday, August 15th. The bus operator explained that the dynamic nature of route planning and the necessary submission process to the traffic commissioner prevent earlier dissemination of these details. To assist commuters during this transition, Stagecoach is developing a comprehensive graphic illustrating all temporary stops, which will be shared after August 15th, alongside a dedicated promotional webpage and informational posters. “Folkestone – A Brighter Future” is steadily progressing, laying the groundwork for a more vibrant, accessible, and attractive town centre for residents and visitors alike.
Cllr Jim Martin, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council, said:
“Folkestone town centre will be transformed by this ambitious project. My thanks to both residents and businesses for their patience whilst our partners carry out these important works.’
Joel Mitchell, Managing Director of Stagecoach South East, said:
“We’re pleased to support Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s regeneration plans by relocating our
services in line with the new layout. The linear design will create a safer environment for pedestrians, and this move gives us the opportunity to further improve customer information, including the introduction of real-time updates at the new stops.”
Peter Osborne, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added:
“We’re proud to be working alongside our partners to deliver real improvements for Folkestone. Kent County Council crews are on the ground regularly to ensure traffic flows as smoothly as possible during construction, and we remain committed to keeping disruption to a minimum while helping to shape a brighter future for the town.”