Regeneration in Folkestone

With the regeneration of Folkestone gaining momentum, there is currently a positive feel about the place, and there has every reason to be so. Find out more about some of the key initiatives that are creating a buzz across the district.

Introduction

From the 1950s onwards, Folkestone experienced decline, affecting the local economy and social balance of the town. This decline arose, and was sustained, for a number of reasons - the advent of inexpensive package holidays abroad and an inability to compete with leading British seaside resorts, poor rail links leaving it seemingly too peripheral to London to attract commuters and the limited employment opportunities in the town. This was compounded in the 1990s with the restructuring of the ferry industry.

A momentum for positive change has been building over the last few years. Opportunities to reverse the decline have been spearheaded by investment through council-led government regeneration programmes and more recently by the clear and comprehensive vision, master planning and commitment of public and private sector partners, especially the De Haan Charitable Trust and the Creative Foundation. As well as the key town centre regeneration initiatives Folkestone is also set to benefit from a number of other vital developments, including:

• The arrival of High Speed Rail Services by 2009, which will link Folkestone Central to St Pancras in around an hour.
• The development of a high quality mixed-use development at Folkestone Harbour and Seafront.
• Performing Arts and Business Centre on Tontine Street.

There is now a major opportunity to comprehensively tackle the regeneration of Folkestone through a uniquely joined up, creative approach, which we believe can provide a model for the regeneration of other deprived towns. This section of the website highlights the key initiatives which are already under way or are being planned for Folkestone which will comprehensively address the problems the town currently faces.