Significant progress is being made on the redevelopment of Folkestone’s iconic Folca building, with plans for a state-of-the-art medical centre and commercial hub moving into the final stages.
A full business case for the Art Deco section, known as Folca 2, will soon be presented to councillors, outlining a vibrant mixed-use development designed to boost local footfall and revitalise the town centre.
The NHS Kent and Medway Integrated Care Board has formally confirmed its support for a modern healthcare hub within the building. This new facility would replace the existing Guildhall Street and Manor Road surgeries, providing upgraded services for more than 23,000 patients while increasing GP capacity and driving regional economic growth. To prepare the site, essential construction work to separate the building’s two sections is scheduled to take place between February and July 2026.
Beyond the medical plans, the council has already selected a preferred bidder for the Edwardian portion of the building, Folca 1, following six competitive offers. Cllr James Butcher noted that the project is one step closer to reality, emphasizing that the scheme will be transformative for Folkestone when combined with wider town centre improvements.
Tony Vaughan KC, MP for Folkestone and Hythe, welcomed the NHS backing as a vital shift toward community-based treatment, stating that the town and its residents clearly need this investment. While the primary goal remains a mixed-use scheme anchored by the medical centre, the council is prepared to proceed with a commercial development to ensure the building’s future is secured. Detailed commercial terms for Folca 1 will be made public once legal processes are finalised.