Agenda and minutes

Members of the committee should declare any interests which fall under

the following categories*:

a) disclosable pecuniary interests (DPI);

b) other significant interests (OSI);

c) voluntary announcements of other interests.

There were no declarations of interest.

To approve the minutes of the meeting held on 10 February 2021.

The minutes of the meeting held on10 February 2021 were agreed. The Chairman’s electronic signature will be added to these indicating approval.

The Working Group received a presentation on progress made by “We Made That” representative Holly Lewis.

A copy of the private presentation will be made available to members following the meeting.

The presentation covered the work undertaken by them highlighting the   following areas:

·         Programme Overview

·         Update of Engagement

·         Key Findings

·         Document of Understanding

·         Evidence Found

The working group received an overview of their findings to date, in particular living and working in Folkestone; visiting Folkestone; arts, culture and Heritage of Folkestone; transport and movement throughout Folkestone; environment sustainability and the town centre itself.

This had in turn enabled “We Made That” to come up with 6 missions that provide them with a clear goal to aim for:-

1. Celebrate what is great - the best assets available such as the coastline and heritage.
2. Town Centre Future – use what is already there but create flexibility.
3. A place for all voices – community.
4. Moving sustainability – station upgrade, reposition of bus station and bus routes.
5. Access to opportunity – build into the capital projects and encourage new business.
6. Deliver Quality – look at Folkestone’s full potential, working alongside stakeholders to get it right.

The next steps will be to continue the engagement programme, looking at the licensing policies, youth of the area and the proposals under the 6 missions above.

Members paid particular attention to the following:

• Workshops – more detailed discussions to take place on individual issues through workshops.
• Funding – look at all aspects of funding, including assets the Council already holds, such as Folca.
• Better connectivity to all areas – the town centre to the seafront and surrounding areas.
• Sustainable transport.
• Bouverie Square – how this could be developed.
• Engagment stream - use those who already live in the town to help shape the future.
• Evening economy – understand the needs, include the Leas Cliff Hall,
• Heritage aspects of the town – look at how these areas can be developed.
• Retail space - how it can be used correctly, not just the larger sites.
• Care sector – pleased to see this has been included.
• Communication - how and who to communicate with.(see also below)
• Green infrastructure.

Members were informed that the website had now been upgraded, with the help from the communications team, and will go live again on Friday. This will show residents the work already undertaken, with regular blog updates and will also allow them to be better involved.

It was noted that not everyone can be involved online or through the   website so it is intended that a number of notice boards and posters will be located throughout the town centre and with continued engagement with Folkestone Town Council who it is hoped will also promote the ongoing work.

The working group were very impressed with the progress “We Made That” had already made and the work that had been done so far. They were very supportive and happy with the direction of travel with the study and the first steps towards the creation of  ...  view the full minutes text for item 46.