Believing in Folkestone

From the late 1990s until 2006, the Believing in Folkestone Partnership has implemented a wide range of projects to assist in the social, economic and environmental regeneration of Central and East Folkestone. In total, the Partnership was successful in attracting over £10 million of Single Regeneration Budget (SRB) funding to support a programme of over 50 projects with a total value exceeding £30 million (including public, private and voluntary sector contributions).

The following projects are just some that benefited greatly from SRB funding:

1. Shepway Enterprise Centre: Based at the Shearway Business Park, the centre provides a new form of modern business accommodation, which stimulates new business and employment opportunities within the target area, leading to a sustainable improvement in the local economy.
2. Works carried out to revitalise the public open space along the Lower Leas. Improvements included the provision of an amphitheatre that hosts a variety of open-air performances in the summer, an adventure playground, as well as high- quality landscaping and CCTV.
3. IMPACT: A series of environmental improvements to the four wards of Folkestone, including Canterbury Road recreation ground, and improvements to Folkestone Harbour.
4. Central Station: The refurbishment of existing buildings and other environmental improvements in order to improve the first impression of Folkestone for those arriving by train.These improvements include the 'Like the Back of my Hand' artwork.
5. Folkestone Clubhouse: A ‘day centre’ for people who have an enduring mental illness. Members are expected to participate in the running of the centre – managing finances, organising and preparing meals, administrative duties, garden and general maintenance.
6. Homestart: Helped to fund an increase in both organiser and administration hours, helped recruit and train more volunteers to meet the increase in referrals and growing waiting list of families with at least one child under 5 years old in need of help and support.
7. Shopmobility Scheme: a project to enable people with mobility impairments to access shops in Folkestone by providing manual wheelchairs, powerchairs and scooters.

The SRB funding came to an end in March 2006.