A blueprint for how Folkestone town centre will look in the future is being drawn up by 'urban' experts.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) has appointed London-based firm We Made That - an architecture studio delivering projects in the public realm - to deliver a 'Place Plan' for the town.

FHDC says We Made That is an "experienced practice with a strong track record of working successfully with the public sector and communities to promote positive change in town centres".

They will now use "innovative methods for engaging wide ranging groups of stakeholders" to develop a plan to ensure a "vibrant future for Folkestone".

We Made That will lead the design team for the project and has brought together a "diverse team of different specialists" to ensure the success of the project, the authority says.

This includes Fletcher Priest, which will advise on the architecture of specific opportunity sites, transport and infrastructure consultants Steer, which will look into the town centre's access, and socio-economic analysts PRD, which will advise on economy and town centre business opportunities.

A fifth firm, The Night Times Industry Association, will provide support to review the existing licensing policy.

Together, the partners will "engage with stakeholders, businesses and residents to identify opportunities to build on the inherent strengths of the town centre and the positive investments made by the public and private sectors to date".

The appointment of We Made That follows FHDC's announcement in October last year that it was working on a 'visionary plan' for the town.

The authority invested £2million in the high street last May when it purchased the former Debenhams store.

It has since been re-branded Folca but remained empty until last month when a mass Covid-19 vaccine centre opened inside.

The council's long term plan for the building is not known, although suggestions of turning it into an indoor market have previously been revealed.

Other suggestions for the building have included a cinema, office space or gym.

FHDC has been working on improving the town centre - which has many empty units - for several years.

At the end of 2019, FHDC commissioned a survey asking residents, business owners and visitors on their ideas for the town centre.

The aim of the quiz was to ‘inform future interventions, initiatives and, where appropriate, new policies for the town’.

Another council-initiative designed to enhance the town centre included the £3m High Streets Fund, which was approved in 2019.

Of that lump sump, £2.2m was earmarked for Folkestone and the remaining £800,000 to be split between Cheriton, Sandgate, Hythe, Dymchurch, New Romney, Lydd, Hawkinge, Lyminge, Sellindge and Elham.

Some of the money has already been spent, including a grant to help restaurant Market Square expand into its basement.

A town centre building, which has stood empty for more than a decade, is also being transformed into a business hub.

The centre, at 16 Bouverie Place, will offer office suites and meeting rooms for small and medium-sized enterprises - as well as co-working and hot-desking space for start-ups.

The block, which sits directly next to Folkestone bus station, was originally built around 15 years ago to provide dental services in a modern four-storey setting. But it has been vacant ever since after the plan failed to materialise.

A six-figure sum has been spent on refitting the building sustainably.

This includes a £420,000 Folkestone Community Works grant, part-funded by the European Structural and Investment Funds 2014-20 and managed by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC).

Work is expected to be completed next month.

Of the appointment of We Made That, Cllr David Wimble, FHDC cabinet member for the district economy, said: "We Made That impressed the panel with their proposed approach, the quality of the team and enthusiasm for the project too.

"They also have a very strong track record of community engagement which is of vital importance in developing a future ambition for Folkestone town centre.

"This Place Plan will harness the immense potential of Folkestone town centre and set out a vision and actions we can all get behind to create a town fit for our extraordinary community."

Cllr Danny Brook, chair of Folkestone Town Centre Working Group, added: "Folkestone is such a special place and I'm delighted that we now have experts in place to help us capitalise on the opportunities in Folkestone town centre that will benefit businesses and residents alike."

Holly Lewis, co-founding partner of We Made That, said: "Our team is excited to build on the enthusiasm of the people of Folkestone for their town centre and work together with them to produce a clear plan for its future that encompasses public spaces, roads, development and new activities.'

We Made That will start engaging with the community later this year.

For more, visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folkestoneplaceplan

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