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More train carriages planned for Folkestone Harbour Arm to replace The Big Greek Bus

15:55, 23 May 2024

Plans to replace a landmark blue bus which served as a Greek restaurant with train carriages and outdoor seating have been revealed.

The Big Greek Bus on Folkestone Harbour Arm was towed away earlier this year, leaving space for a new business to enter the site.

The new train carriage restaurant would be adjacent to the Shesells Seashells site
The new train carriage restaurant would be adjacent to the Shesells Seashells site

Now, applicant Ben Boyce is proposing to replace the bus with “another food offering” in a temporary planning application of eight years.

If approved by Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), the new site would be adjacent to the Shesells Seashells restaurant, which is also housed inside train carriages.

Bosses served their last gyros in The Big Greek Bus in October last year, before moving The Little Greek Bus to the same spot.

The smaller vehicle fills part of the site but it is unclear if it will remain in its current spot if the extra train carriages are approved.

The proposed site area is 680 sq m and the maximum height of the carriages will be 3.4m.

The Big Greek bus was towed away from Folkestone Harbour Arm in February. Picture: Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Big Greek bus was towed away from Folkestone Harbour Arm in February. Picture: Folkestone Harbour Arm
The Little Greek Bus replaced the larger one in October
The Little Greek Bus replaced the larger one in October

According to the planning documents, they would generally only be seen from the arm itself due to the existing sea wall blocking the views to the west.

It comes as the largest venue at the harbour arm, with a capacity of 100 people has now opened.

The Board Room, run by Northfleet-based craft beer brewery Iron Pier Beer, began trading last week.

It features craft beers, cocktails, wines and soft drinks on its menu, and offers platters such as cheese and charcuterie boards.

Last week, KentOnline revealed new computer-generated images showing how a Covent Garden-style food hall could be coming to Folkestone’s Harbour.

The applicant wants to install more train carriages on Folkestone Harbour Arm
The applicant wants to install more train carriages on Folkestone Harbour Arm

The proposals are part of the development of the town’s arm and would see its popular food and drink “plaza”, The Goods Yard, completely transformed.

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