The old bus station in Folkestone Image: SCOPIX
The ambitious vision for a revitalized Folkestone is rapidly becoming a reality as the £20m Folkestone – A Brighter Future project charges into its most transformative phase yet.
This week marks a thrilling turning point for Bouverie Square, where the concrete remnants of the old bus station are finally making way for a lush, vibrant “green heart.” This central sanctuary is designed to breathe new life into the town, offering a welcoming destination for play, relaxation, and community connection that residents and visitors alike have long been waiting for.
As the scheme nears the halfway mark with over 40% of the work already complete, the skyline is about to change. Starting this Friday, the disused shelters and aging planter walls will be cleared to create a blank canvas for this urban oasis.
While the site will be temporarily closed to ensure public safety during this high-energy demolition, the payoff is substantial. The existing facilities are set for a total top-to-bottom refurbishment, ensuring that when they reopen in late spring, they match the high standards of the stunning new surroundings.
In the interim, the community remains well-supported with public facilities available just a short stroll away at Pleydell Gardens or within the Bouverie Square Shopping Centre.
Cllr James Butcher, Cabinet Member for Place Plan, Heritage, Tourism and District Economy, noted that the project has hit a powerful momentum, transitioning from blueprints to a tangible focal point for the district. With the first wave of trees and shrubs scheduled to take root this March, the countdown to a greener, bolder Folkestone has officially begun.