Photo: Ray Duff
Folkestone Town Council is proud to announce that it has reached a formal agreement, subject to contract, to acquire the former library building at 2 Grace Hill from Kent County Council (KCC).
This landmark deal, confirmed by Town Councillors during a special meeting on 21 April 2026, ensures the historic building remains a community asset and avoids the uncertainty of a public auction.
The acquisition was made possible through a collaborative partnership involving KCC, Creative Folkestone, the One Folkestone community partnership, Folkestone and Hythe District Council, and Tony Vaughan MP. While the agreement marks a major victory for the town, officials emphasize that this is the beginning of a long-term restoration project.
The building is a complex historic site requiring significant investment and fundraising to transform it into a multi-purpose hub for community groups, creative arts, and public services.
Town Mayor Councillor Lucy McGirr described the purchase as an essential step in protecting Folkestone’s heritage for future generations. Councillor Tim Prater, who led the negotiations, noted that while the refurbishment will be a costly and lengthy process, the building’s value to the community far outweighs its purchase price. He highlighted that the project will now be led and managed locally by the people of Folkestone.
The Town Council remains committed to seeing Grace Hill return as the long-term home of Folkestone Library. Although current arrangements mean this cannot be formally revisited until 2031, the Council intends to hold constructive future discussions with KCC to align their visions for library provision. In the interim, KCC will open a new library at 14 Sandgate Road on 26 May 2026, restoring full services to the town centre.
Once the sale is complete, the Town Council will launch a series of public engagement sessions. These events will provide residents with detailed information regarding the building’s condition, grant funding strategies, and the emerging vision for its use. The Council invites the community to play an active role in reimagining and rebuilding 2 Grace Hill as a cornerstone of Folkestone’s future.