Work has begun to create rain gardens as part of the Folkestone – A Brighter Future project.
The first stage of this work is alterations to the footway on the southern side of Cheriton Road.
The rain gardens will collect run-off water and filter pollutants to water vegetation and provide a natural habitat for wildlife. A further benefit of rain gardens is slowing the flow of water entering the drainage system, minimising the impact of any flooding.
Bouverie Square will have an underground filtration system to collect and reuse rainwater to water the surrounding plants. The square will be transformed from a concrete space with little vegetation to a park filled with planting and new trees resulting in a huge biodiversity gain for the area.
Cheriton Road will have rain gardens between the entrances of Coolinge Road and Connaught Road. 18 new trees will be planted along the road to add to the existing street scene. Wildflowers will be sown in the area which will benefit bees and butterflies.
More than 70 trees will be planted as part of the Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme with the aim of creating a greener, more welcoming environment in the town centre.
The loss of six trees – four in Sandgate Road, one in Guildhall Street and one on Foresters Way – in the delivery of the scheme is unfortunate but has been judged necessary when balancing with the regeneration of the area and the economic uplift expected from the new scheme.
Cllr James Butcher, Folkestone & Hythe District Council's Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: “Biodiversity in the town centre will increase significantly as a result of the Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme and I’m looking forward to the town centre becoming a greener and more welcoming space.
“My thanks go to residents and businesses for their patience while we improve the area.”
Peter Osborne, Kent County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport, added: “Flooding is a growing concern across Kent, and we need smart, practical solutions to tackle it. Rain gardens are a great example as they help slow and filter rainwater before it reaches the drains, easing pressure on the system and helping protect our communities.”
Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/FABF to find out more about the project and sign up for monthly progress updates from Jackon Civil Engineering.