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Future of Debenhams in Folkestone will be discussed at online webinar
10:42, 01 April 2021
updated: 10:43, 01 April 2021
An online presentation will be held about the future of Folkestone's town centre, and will include plans for the former Debenhams store.
It comes as the council revealed the ex department shop could be turned into mixed use of housing and health and leisure facilities in order to generate increased footfall in the high street.
Its future will be discussed at a online consultation being held this month, which will also reveal the council's 'vision' for the town centre.
Debenhams left Folkestone in January 2020 as part of its downsizing plans.
A few months later Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC) purchased the site for £2million and re-branded it Folca.
The building in Sandgate Road was empty for 12 months until it was transformed into a large scale vaccination centre for the Covid-19 jab at the beginning of this year.
At FHDC's latest question and answer session - which have been held regularly since the beginning of the pandemic to keep the public informed -, Cllr Nicola Keen (Lab) said she is asked regularly by residents what is to become of the site.
She said on people's 'wish list' included it being turned into a community space, a cafe, medical centre, social housing flats or a place with rooms to hire.
In response, Cllr David Monk (Con), leader of FHDC, said Folca has a "significant positive role to play in Folkestone's future regeneration of the town centre".
He continued: "That is the reason the council acted decisively and swiftly to acquire the building with a view of it being a catalyst for change.
"The approach being pursued for its redevelopment is focused on potential to create new housing, leisure uses and health facilities in order to generate increased footfall and support the overall ambition of a vibrant and busy town centre.
"The emerging Folkestone Place Plan will include Folca as a key project and as such people will have the opportunity to share and contribute their views.
"The redevelopment will however be based on a commercial proposition that is right for the council."
Previous suggestions for Folca included it being turned into a temporary indoor market and a cinema.
The council's Place Plan - a blueprint for the future - is currently being worked on by London-based firm We Made That, an architecture studio delivering projects in the public realm.
A virtual public event has now been organised which will detail the "emerging priorities and vision" of the Plan.
It will include a presentation and will also be a chance for residents to have their say on the future of the town centre and offer feedback on emerging proposals that have been informed by the research and the engagement process so far.
A council spokesman said: "The Place Plan will set clear missions and propose specific actions to help shape the future of Folkestone’s town centre.
"This is a chance to share your views and ask us any questions you have.
"Everyone is invited to take part, so please do share with your contacts and networks.
"The feedback received will help to shape the final Place Plan which we are aiming to complete in June 2021."
The webinar will be held from 6pm until 7.30pm on Monday, April 19.
It will be recorded and available to view on the Place Plan section of the council website after the event.
A survey will also be open for all to complete so even if residents can’t make the webinar live they can still get involved.
For more information and to sign up for the webinar, visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/folkestoneplaceplan.
A survey and printed pack will be made available for those who do not have online access.
This can be requested by calling FHDC on 01303 853000.
