A former town centre Debenhams store could become home to a library, new plans reveal.

Residents in Folkestone have called for the return of their library after the building in Grace Hill was “temporarily closed” in 2022 due to safety concerns.

Now, a ‘long-term solution’ from Kent County Council could see the valued service move into the former department store, which has been renamed Folca.

A public consultation on the scheme is now underway and will run for eight weeks.

Chiefs at KCC say after “exploring all options” they can not finance the renovation of the Grace Hill site.

Clair Bell, KCC’s cabinet member for community and regulatory services, said: “I recognise the strength of local feeling and interest expressed on the future town centre location for our valued library and registration service as well as the future of the Grace Hill building.

“We promised that we would consult with people on our proposals.

“Our discussions with Folkestone & Hythe District Council (FHDC) have progressed positively to the point where we believe Folca is the best long-term location for the library and registration service.

“The work that would be required of us to make the Grace Hill building safe again is significant and the funds are unfortunately not available in the current financial climate.

“I would encourage everyone to read our consultation document to see what we are proposing and to complete a questionnaire to tell us their views.”

Proposals had previously been in place to transform the former Debenhams, in Sandgate Road, into a medical facility.

But last month, the plans suffered a major setback after it was deemed “no longer viable”.

Debenhams left Folkestone in 2020 and the building has been empty ever since. It was purchased by FHDC, for more than £2 million, and was used previously as a Covid vaccination centre.

The Grace Hill library closed in December 2022 due to water damage to the building.

A temporary service has been running at the former Shepway Youth Club, offering computer access and the option to reserve books.

Despite the plans announced by KCC, FHDC councillor Mike Blakemore, cabinet member for community and collaboration, said discussions are ongoing.

He said: "No business case for its future use, even in part, by the county council has been brought forward or any terms agreed.”

The consultation is available at any of the libraries in Folkestone and Hythe, or online, until September 11.