A section of the Folca building in Folkestone town centre is to be sold as part of a new strategy for the site.
Cabinet members have agreed the approach after the medical centre developer confirmed a medical centre in Folca 1 (the Edwardian section on Bouverie Place) was no longer a viable proposition.
Following an extensive feasibility assessment, it was decided that disposal on the open market was the most prudent option for the council.
The council hopes the opportunity of engaging with the private sector to purchase Folca 1 can help bring forward the entire Folca site as a destination for residents and visitors alike.
Meanwhile, the future of Folca 2 – the Art Deco section on Sandgate Road – was also discussed, with a mixed-use scheme still the preferred option.
This could be fully commercial or a combination of public sector, medical and commercial uses.
Pursuing a flexible, mixed-use approach enables the council to continue exploring the provision of a new medical facility with the NHS Integrated Care Board.
It will benefit from a £1.44m grant from the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme designed to secure carbon reduction benefits for the Folca 2 project.
This is against the backdrop of £20m of investment into the town centre through the government-funded Folkestone – A Brighter Future programme; £2.2m of which is earmarked for Folca.
Cabinet Member for Assets, Cllr Connor McConville said: ‘Along with the Folkestone – A Brighter Future project, the regeneration of the Folca building will have a positive ripple effect on the rest of the town centre. I am looking forward to watching the development of Folca 2 come to fruition.’
A full business case for Folca 2 and final set of recommendations with the preferred occupation strategy will be presented to councillors in the autumn, with potential construction starting in early 2026.