Work on a key aspect of a £20m project regenerating Folkestone town centre is to begin later this week.
A new ‘green heart’ is replacing the tired former Folkestone Bus Station at Bouverie Square – creating a much more inviting space, including an area for play, to be enjoyed by residents and visitors.
The now-disused shelters will be removed and planter walls demolished as the Folkestone – A Brighter Future scheme reaches another important milestone. To maintain public safety, access to the site will need to be closed off.
This means the toilets will temporarily shut from Friday 30 January. As part of the improvements, the facilities will undergo a significant refurbishment before they reopen in late spring.
In the meantime, the nearest council-run WC can be found less than 10-minutes’ walk away in nearby Pleydell Gardens (CT20 2DN). An arrangement for the public to use the Bouverie Square Shopping Centre bathrooms is also in place.
Cllr James Butcher – Cabinet Member for Place Plan, Heritage, Tourism and District Economy – said: “There is now real momentum with the Folkestone – A Brighter Future project and Bouverie Square is set to become a focal point for the community.
“While there is short-term disruption, I’m pleased we can deliver refurbished toilets as part of this exciting next chapter for Folkestone town centre.”
The Folkestone – A Brighter Future programme is now more than 40% complete with the first wave of planting of trees and shrubs set for March.
Visit folkestone-hythe.gov.uk/FABF for the latest progress and to sign up for email updates.