Creative Quarter

The establishment of the Creative Quarter is an integral part of the overall strategy to regenerate Folkestone. The proposal is to establish a diverse and exciting creative area in Folkestone’s historic Old Town, a zone which has previously proved challenging to regenerate over many years. 

The on going programme of work is creating a bustling street scene with artist's studios, high quality offices for a range of creative businesses, shops, galleries, cafes, restaurants, visitor attractions and homes attracting people from far and wide to participate in the creative experience by living, working, visiting and learning in the Creative Quarter. The new Quarterhouse (see picture) is a state of the art entertainment venue which has helped transform Tontine Street

The Creative Foundation is the driving force behind this change. It is a registered charity with the following core objectives:

• To take control of a critical mass of properties and sites.
• To renovate properties to a high standard.
• To let properties to companies and individuals in the creative industries and to ensure the area remains a creative zone in the long-term.
• To organise events, exhibitions, etc., to support the development of the CQ.

The Creative Foundation already controls in excess of 80 properties, predominantly along Tontine Street and the Old High Street. The 1.5 acre brownfield site, Payers Park, is also part of the portfolio. The Foundation works closely with the De Haan Charitable Trust and has also received funding from the SEEDA, Kent County Council and Arts Council England.

The Creative Foundation has a waiting list of individuals and business start-ups wishing to move into the Quarter as property becomes available.

By the end of 2012 it is planned that 750 jobs in the creative industries and ancilliary services will have been created and sustained as a direct result of the Folkestone Creative Quarter. This is only the first phase and it is expected that this number will grow substantially over time.