Streets and Squares

The ‘Streets and Squares’ initiative is a vital ingredient in the regeneration of Folkestone, as it aims to improve linkages between regeneration sites across the town centre.

Work has already been carried out to improve the main shopping streets of Sandgate Road, Guildhall Street and Rendezvous Street with funding from the Channel Corridor Partnership, Shepway District Council, Kent County Council and the European Union in order to attract business into the town, increase footfall and spend, improve access, and change the image of Folkestone for the better.

In the Creative Quarter, the Old High Street has benefited from improved lighting and the installation of public artworks to enhance its ambience and to complement improvements to the buildings by the Creative Foundation.  This street acts as a key link from the Town Centre down to the Harbour. 

The Creative Foundation in partnership with Kent County Council and Shepway District Council have undertaken a Traffic Impact Assessment and initial design work for improvements to Tontine Street with a view to creating a more pedestrian-friendly environment.

During the immediate period after the initial improvements, the town saw an upsurge, with retail rents seeing an increase and vacant units reducing by about 18% between 2003 and 2008.  However, the current recession has had a negative impact on a number of these streets, especially at the northern end of Guildhall Street and parts of Sandgate Road following the loss of multi-nationals such as Woolworths.

In addition, there are also a number of key secondary shopping areas that are struggling due to the poor quality public realm and need improving in order to bring them up to the standard of the core retail area.  Section 106 (Planning Gain) Agreements are being sought from developers to help finance public realm improvements, which will help to improve links between the main shopping areas and the Leas and Coastal Park.