Bus shelters along Middelburg Square - the new Folkestone Bus Station, are being installed this week.
The temporary shelters have been sourced to protect passengers from the elements over the coming months. A delay in the supply chain has meant contractor Bauer Media Outdoor (BMO) is unable to install the permanent shelters until early 2026.
The permanent shelters that BMO is installing are being created specifically for the Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme. These new shelters will have side panels to shield passengers from bad weather and a digital display showing expected bus arrivals in real time. The shelters will also have an element of sustainability with living roofs.
Installation of the temporary shelters is due to be completed this week and the work will be undertaken overnight to minimise disruption to the public and bus operations.
Cllr James Butcher, Folkestone & Hythe District Council's Cabinet Member for the District Economy, said: “The delay to the permanent shelters has been disappointing but we’ve been working hard with Bauer Media Outdoor to ensure that temporary shelters are in place to shield users as we go into the colder months. Thank you to bus passengers for being patient whilst this interim solution was organised.”
The Middelburg Square F3 bus stop is moving temporarily to Bouverie Place at the back of the former bus station and opposite Burger King.
The move on Wednesday (29 October) is expected to be for two weeks and is to enable a phase of the Middelburg Square construction work to be carried out.
The F3 stop services the 102 and 103 routes to Folkestone Harbour, the 104, 105 and 91 to Dover and the 74 to Downs Road.
Four parking bays in Bouverie Square, near the vehicle entrance to the telephone exchange building, are also being closed for two weeks whilst buses are using this temporary route.
When temporary stop locations may need to change to accommodate project building work, the change will be short in duration and clearly signposted. Stagecoach, Kent County Council, Jackson Civil Engineering, and Folkestone & Hythe District Council are working closely together to minimise disruption and jointly manage communications, ensuring bus users are fully informed of any changes that may occur.
The Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme is more than a third of the way through. All phases of the work are due to be completed in summer 2026.
Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/FABF to find out more about the project and sign up for monthly progress updates from Jackson Civil Engineering.