Good Progress Made on Renovation of Harbour Viaduct and Former Station
Work is proceeding well and on schedule to create a new network of footpaths and walkways in and around Folkestone Harbour and Seafront, with an expected completion of late August 2017. The new routes will provide dedicated access to the Harbour Arm, previously only reached via the car park, linking in turn with the new Boardwalk that stretches for nearly a kilometre along the crest of the beach towards the Coastal Park.
The walkways incorporate landscaping and seating areas on the restored historic viaduct, designed by William Cubitt and dating back to 1843. They will then follow a route through the former railway station, which had also become seriously dilapidated since regular trains stopped running at the turn of the millennium. These improvements will create a new gateway to the harbour area and add considerably to the area that visitors to the seafront can enjoy.
Work on the listed viaduct and swing bridge has taken place since early 2017, in consultation with Historic England. The viaduct structure itself has been carefully repaired, with new railings added where necessary. Access will be created between the viaduct and the square where the fountains are located, with a staircase and lift under construction. Other developments have included major earthworks and the dredging of the harbour, which is now complete, preparing the wider site for the proposed development of Folkestone seafront. Most of this work has been carried out by Graham Construction.
The Harbour Arm opened for the first time in late 2015, followed by a full summer season in 2016. It proved to be a great success with residents and visitors to the town. Thousands of people come regularly to enjoy a vibrant mix of live music and entertainment and distinctive places to eat and drink. As work is completed on the renovation of the site’s historic infrastructure, interpretation and signage will be introduced to help tell the story of the harbour and Folkestone’s maritime heritage.
Find out more about the Folkestone Seafront Development.
