Seafront Development continues

Dredging of the sand from the harbour will soon be completed as work on the Folkestone Seafront Development continues.

Work is also progressing on the viaduct that will become a pedestrian walkway providing a direct route between the town and the Harbour Arm, via the former railway station platforms, and will ultimately link with a boardwalk along the beachfront towards Folkestone’s Coastal Park on the Lower Leas. This will improve connectivity around the harbor itself and help enhance access between the Coastal Park, the Stade and beach areas, the Creative Quarter and other parts of the town centre, anticipating the wider opportunities that the seafront development will bring.

During the coming months the area will be landscaped and new railings will be added. A staircase and lift will be constructed to provide access between the viaduct and Harbour Square, adjacent to the fountains. Care is being taken to respect the listed status of the structure and to preserve and enhance its heritage value, whilst introducing a function that is relevant to the area’s future.

Work on the viaduct and former station is due to finish later this year.

Folkestone Seafront is a commercial development with upfront costs of around £74 million to date, the majority of which has come from Sir Roger De Haan, the land owner. Development of Folkestone Seafront has required investment in significant infrastructure, including the creation of sea defences. This has been greatly assisted by a grant of £5 million from the Regional Growth Fund, with support from the South East Local Enterprise Partnership, Kent County Council and Folkestone and Hythe District Council. The case for this investment was built around the provision of new homes, the creation of jobs in the area and the multiplier effect this will have on the local economy.

Find out more about the Folkestone Seafront Development.