Agenda item

Report OS/21/01 presents an update on progress to develop the Folkestone Town Centre Place Plan. The report sets out the context for this, engagement undertaken and the emerging key themes and interventions from which the plan will be developed.

Report OS/21/01 presented an update on progress to develop the Folkestone Town Centre Place Plan.  The report set out the context for this, engagement undertaken and the emerging key themes and interventions from which the plan will be developed. 

Cabinet Member for the District Economy, Councillor Wimble, gave introductory remarks and recognised the importance of the work to establish an overall direction for the future town centre.  Mr Ewan Green, Director of Place, presented the report and introduced Mr Oliver Goodhall from urban design specialists, We Made That.

Mr Goodhall gave a presentation, which is attached to these minutes.  Mr Goodhall explained ‘The Grand Challenge’, incorporating six missions and how these interact with action areas within Folkestone.  He reminded members of the next public webinar on 10 June.   

Members’ comments and questions included: 

• Looking at the public engagement events, what considerations are given to comments received?  Short, medium and long term considerations are explored.
• Adult education provisions.
• Digital infrastructure.
• Creative Quarter – what do people think when visiting Folkestone and what do people want? 
• What kind of hub will Folkestone be? 

Mr Goodhall mentioned the Vision for Folkestone and how this must be broken down into manageable components, also looking at long term sustainable resilience and diversity.  He mentioned a publication which members may be interested in; ‘High Streets – Adaptive Strategies’ guidance produced by the Mayor of London. 

Further comments raised by members: 

• Park and ride – an idea to be considered. 
• Public engagements – demographically younger people are less likely to get involved, however, it was suggested that young people are more likely to get involved with definitive projects. 
• Electric scooters, possible hire and use around the town centre, an example given was the use of these in Bristol. 
• The importance of green space. 

Councillor Wing was impressed by the public and stakeholder engagement aspects of the Place Plan, he also asked the following questions: 

-     Traffic flow around the town?  Traffic modelling to be carried out. 

-     Leas Lift – good to see this included in the actions as part of the engagement process.   

-     Consider other vertical transport systems. 

-     If the North Downs is confirmed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this could help the Town Centre. 

-     Encourage visitors in the Winter months. Levelling Up Fund could provide further opportunities.

-     Licensing Policy – seen as a facilitator of the Place Plan.  The policy is under review and will be brought to Full Council in the Autumn 2021. 

Members asked what the next steps will be.  Mr Green advised a Council led action plan to be produced with continued engagement with consultant teams.  Mr Goodhall was keen to say that We Made That would like to stay engaged throughout the process and thereafter. 

Members were impressed with the process so far and thanked the We Made That team, officers and the Cabinet member for the District Economy, Councillor Wimble. 

Proposed by Councillor Peter Gane

Seconded by Councillor Gary Fuller; and

RESOLVED:

That Report OS/21/01 and presentation are received and noted. 

All agreed. 

(Councillor McConville left the meeting and did not return)