The ongoing renewal of the district’s high streets and town centres has been further boosted by a £1.06m central government grant.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council is one of 60 local authorities to benefit from the Derelict Buildings Fund, aimed at bringing long-term vacant shops, pubs and cinemas into productive use.
This could see the creation of new community facilities, public service hubs or homes in central locations.
Residents, businesses and investors will have the chance to influence which buildings are prioritised in the coming months.
Cllr James Butcher – Cabinet Member for Place Plan, Heritage, Tourism and District Economy – said: “This funding provides a great opportunity to give some of the district’s empty buildings a new lease of life.
“Folkestone & Hythe District Council is committed to maximising the potential of our high streets and town centres. The Derelict Buildings Fund assists us in continuing that journey.”
Tony Vaughan, Member of Parliament for Folkestone and Hythe, will be the programme champion.
He added: “I’m pleased, after campaigning for greater support to revive our local town centres, we’ve secured over £1m from the government’s Derelict Buildings Fund. This will help redevelop vacant units and restore civic pride.”