Fresh computer-generated imagery has been released showcasing plans to transform a town centre – including a new bridge, 20mph limits and a square to replace the bus station.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has published a virtual reality video online showing the drastic changes to the route from Folkestone Central railway station to Middelburg Square.

The council’s project is being funded by £20 million of Levelling Up cash from the government.

Here, we go through all of the major changes set to take place in the town.

Radnor Park and Folkestone Central railway station

Near Radnor Park, two new crossings are set to be added, providing “better access” to and from the park and Folkestone Central Station.

The existing crossing under the railway bridge will be moved closer to the station, with the aim of creating safer crossing points for pedestrians and cyclists.

Furthermore, raised crossings will be added to Station Approach and Broadmead Road, with the crossing on Castle Hill Avenue also being upgraded.

A number of dedicated cycle lanes are also being proposed, to make cycling to and from Cheriton “much safer”.

Cheriton Road and Cheriton Gardens

In the raft of changes put forward by FHDC last year, there were plans to build a new roundabout, near Brew cafe, linking Cheriton Road, Cheriton Gardens and Shorncliffe Road.

However, following feedback given by residents at the public consultations, this has now been scrapped.

Instead, the existing junction will be improved, with upgraded and additional crossings introduced, with the aim of improving walking and cycling paths in the area.

As the virtual reality tour continues down Cheriton Gardens, a host of trees and plants are shown being planted along the roadside.

Creative Folkestone is designing “eyecatching banners” to make it clearer for visitors to find their way to the town centre.

Middelburg Square and the bus station

Behind the former Saga building, at the northern arm of Middelburg Square, the road will now become two-way, with the aim of improving the flow of traffic.

This will come with the introduction of a 20mph speed limit from the junctions of Cheriton Road and Cheriton Gardens, through Middelburg Square and onto Shellons Street.

FHDC say the community showed “strong support” for a reduced speed limit in the area.

The bus station will be “relocated”, with bus stops being introduced to Middelburg Square. These will include bus shelters which will house electronic display boards showing real-time updates.

This is to allow for the beleaguered bus station to be transformed into a town centre “garden square”.

There will be a play park, green space, cycle paths and seating areas in Bouverie Square.

FHDC has taken ideas from local schoolchildren to help design this area and has brought these to life in the plans.

The authority is exploring options to convert the ground floor into a space where visitors can “sit and enjoy the view”.

Shellons Street and Guildhall Street

Updated proposals for Shellons Street retain more existing mature trees and provide additional opportunities for planted areas.

Furthermore, a loading bay is set to be introduced to accommodate deliveries to local businesses. This will double up as a taxi rank.

A footbridge is also proposed to be built. This will be between Guildhall Street North and Guildhall Street, to make it easier to cross the road into town.

FHDC say this will help to link the north area of Shellons Street to the town centre.

Additional greenery is also planned for Sandgate Road, along with space for market stalls and on-street events.

What’s the reaction been?

Commenting on social media, Toni Hubbard-Laser said: “I think it will look really nice to be fair, and I hope it gets looked after by the council and public that visit.

“Real-time bus times will be brilliant!”

Ramesh Rai added: “Something is better than nothing.

“There are not many shops in the town and we cannot bring them back.

“Bottom line, this idea is not bad because it is decided from above for good reason. They have put in lots of effort.”

However, not everyone was left impressed by the proposals, with some describing the scheme as a “waste of money”.

“You need buses to bring people into Folkestone, big mistake getting rid of the bus station,” said Tina Green.

“A huge waste of money. 20 paces further along you are on the Leas.”

Why is the council making these changes?

The project, called Folkestone – A Brighter Future, is aimed at updating the town’s road network, which was originally designed for when ferries sailed to and from the harbour.

In its bid for Levelling Up funding, FHDC said: “[The project] includes significant improvements to the road system around Folkestone Central rail station and better signage and improved links to the town centre for pedestrians and cyclists.

“It will also bring changes to the road network in the town centre area to address the legacy from when the roads served Folkestone well when it was a port town, but are no longer appropriate.”

.