Concerns are mounting over the future of a luxury seafront development as mystery continues to surround the lack of progress at the site.

Work on the controversial Leas Pavilion scheme in Folkestone – which will see 91 flats created above the former tearoom and theatre – has now been abandoned for months, despite bosses stating in April how rumours it will not be completed were “completely untrue”.

Here is everything we know so far about the multimillion-pound development of the beloved and historic landmark...

The latest update

Last week, yet more rumours began circulating in the town about materials being removed from the site of the Leas Pavilion, which is situated along The Leas and dates back to 1902.

It was thought the crane, which has remained at the centre of the development since construction work began two years ago, would be taken away, with the matter even being discussed at a council meeting.

After being approached by KentOnline, Belgian developer Mylecke NV – which recently took over as lead on the project – insisted the crane would not be removed from the site, but declined to comment further, including on when work would restart.

Despite the rumours, the Friends of the Leas Pavilion campaign group – which has long-fought for the venue’s restoration – says it is “reassured” after members themselves spoke to the team at Mylecke NV.

It comes after bosses at Gustavia – which had led the project since 2019 – announced last month it was stepping down from leading the transformation, creating more doubt over its future.

A spokesperson for the Friends told KentOnline: “He [a developer from Mylecke NV] has stated that he will be in Folkestone this week and will meet with us, and with the owners of the apartments in the development, to bring us up to date.

“Contracts regarding final funding etc are hopefully going to be signed next week meaning that the development can restart and shortly continue uninterrupted until final completion.

“We have also spoken with some of the owners who are also cautiously optimistic at this stage.

“We are somewhat reassured after this conversation.”

Work is set to commence by the end of the year, according to the Friends.

They also stated that the new estimated completion date for the project is in June 2026.

What has been done so far?

Since the demolition of the pavilion in 2022, only groundworks and the erection of two towering stair cores have been completed by the developers.

Plans for the regeneration of the site, which also once housed a nightclub and a bowling alley, were approved in 2020 and if all goes ahead, will eventually see 91 flats built in a new nine-storey building wrapping around the sunken pavilion.

The historic frontage is set to be restored later as part of the overall build.

But in recent months work has repeatedly stalled.

The developers previously dispelled rumours the project would not be completed as “completely untrue” and confirmed construction was “due to recommence” when work halted in April.

At the time, work had been progressing at a slower rate due to the installation of a new sprinkler tank in the basement of the building.

But in August, with work yet to restart, residents once again began questioning whether the luxury flat project would ever be completed, commenting on the shocking state of the site.

The ambitious project is set to feature plush sea-view apartments looming over The Leas – ranging in price from £325,000 for the smallest one-bedroom flats to £3 million for the significantly larger penthouses.

The entrance to the flats is set to be through the renovated Leas Pavilion.

Concierge was planned to be situated in the pavilion, which was going to be used as a lounge and storage space for residents. But it was also to be made available for community use - and be hired out to groups and clubs.

Change in leadership

Last month, in a shock announcement, Belgian firm Gustavia announced it was stepping down from leading the transformation of the historic seafront landmark.

This left even more question marks over the future of the project after the firm gave up its 50% stake in Leas Pavilion Development Ltd, the parent company which owns the site.

Gustavia director, Olivier Daelemans, also resigned as a shareholder and director of Leas Pavilion Development Ltd but when asked by KentOnline he would not be drawn on the future of the project or the new ownership of the site.

Mr Daelemans said his firm had left the project due to “different ideas about how to proceed with the development”.

Now, his departure leaves Belgian developer Mylecke NV as the only known representative in the project - the firm has been on board since 2021, according to Companies House records for Leas Pavilion Development Ltd.

It has also not been confirmed whether Ant Yapi will continue as the project's main building contractor.

Mylecke NV has been approached for a comment on more than five occasions but KentOnline has still yet to receive an official statement.

The council’s concerns

At a full council meeting last week of Folkestone and Hythe District Council, leader of the authority Cllr Jim Martin (Green) stated how it was informed that materials were being removed from the site.

He described the news as “disappointing” and “not a good sign”.

During the meeting, Cllr Laura Davison (Lab) asked for an update on the building process and what ramifications it could have on locals.

Cllr Martin responded: “The council has no further information other than the lead developer has left the project.

“My understanding was, however, that the lead developer is not in liquidation, and there is a strong chance that another developer will now step in and take the lead.

“As soon as I have confirmation, or indeed any news, I will let the ward councillors know.

“The council is very, very, very keen to see the project completed. I've written to senior officers this afternoon to find out what more we can find out.”

History of the Leas Pavilion

The divisive plans to bring the former theatre back to life and build 91 luxury apartments above it were given the green light in September 2020.

The pavilion has a long and fascinating history since it first opened in the town on July 1, 1902 as a tearoom for the Edwardian aristocracy.

Its original construction cost £10,000.

Before then the land where it sits was an open garden, surrounded by residential buildings and a hotel.

The reason for it being sunk into the street was the ‘ancient lights’ clause in leases for hotels on either side meaning no building could be built more than 7ft above street level, to ensure daylight would not be blocked from these buildings.

A makeshift platform was introduced inside the pavilion in 1906 for concert parties and in 1914 farewells were held for troops about to depart for the continent for the First World War.

In 1928 a proper stage was built in the main hall and it reopened as The Leas Pavilion Theatre.

It was during this time some of the original columns were removed to make more room for seating. It remained a theatre until 1985.

A year later it reopened as the Leas Club - which held a bar, cafe, snooker club, bowling alley and venue for live music over the years.

In 1994 the Longford hotel on the east side of the pavilion was partly destroyed by a fire and the following year both the hotel and the building to the west came down.

Two car parks either side were created. This land is included as part of the overall development.

The Leas Club, as a nightclub, closed for the last time in 2010 and the site then fell into major disrepair.

Former owner Churchgate was granted planning permission in 2015 to overhaul the site into a health club with 68 flats, but it missed the deadline and work was never started.

In 2019, FHDC issued a legal repairs notice to Churchgate listing six pages of works necessary to protect the dilapidated building.

Many celebrities previously showed their support for the renovation of the site, with comedian Vic Reeves and EastEnders actress June Brown previously raising awareness of the building’s heritage. Harry Potter star Miriam Margolyes and Lord of the Rings actor Sir Ian McKellen also previously threw their support behind its restoration.

Despite the high hopes many had for the renovation project, many questions still need to be answered over its future as two huge concrete blocks now sit in the middle of the town.

Patience seems to be running out for both residents and councillors and they will be hoping bosses clear up the uncertainty surrounding the site as soon as possible.