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Folkestone’s town centre is getting a major boost! Kent County Council has announced an exciting new plan to create a vibrant community hub at 14 Sandgate Road. This prime new location will be home to a relocated Adult Education Centre and a temporary Folkestone Library, bringing essential services and learning opportunities right back into the heart of the community.
This move is a huge step forward for Folkestone, restoring full library services to the town centre after the temporary closure of the previous building. The new site will bring back the library’s full collection, along with popular activities like Baby Rhyme Time, and provide access to the archive and local studies collection. What’s more, residents will once again be able to register births and deaths in a convenient, central location. The Adult Education Centre, which recently moved from its former home on Tontine Street, is set to open its doors in the new hub in Spring 2026. This move will make learning more accessible than ever, and while the library’s presence will be temporary, the Adult Education Centre will be a permanent fixture. It will continue to offer a wide range of courses, with a special focus on helping people gain skills for work and employment.
A planning application has been submitted to transform the Sandgate Road location. If approved, the library will move from its current temporary home at the Shepway Youth Centre and open in Spring 2026, followed by the Adult Education Centre. In the meantime, adult education classes will continue in various community settings around town, including the Wood Avenue library and the F51 skate park, ensuring learners don’t miss a beat.