Plans for a radical multimillion-pound revamp of a bus station in an “up and coming part of town” have been approved – despite fears it will encourage drug users and anti-social behaviour.
Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s (FHDC) scheme to overhaul Bouverie Square in Folkestone into a public park was given the green light by the district’s planning committee on Tuesday night.
The transformation will see the current grey-looking bus station made-over with green spaces, seating areas, cycle stands, trees, plants and walkways. A play park could be installed in the future.
The ambitious proposals are part of the authority’s A Brighter Future project which is aided by £20 million from the government’s Levelling Up fund, with work set to begin later this month.
Speaking at FHDC’s planning meeting, Cllr Clive Goddard (Con) said of the plans: “To me, this is the up-and-coming part of Folkestone.
“Yards to the left, you’ve got Guildhall Street, with all the fine development happening down there. This seems to give the businesses a new lease of life.
“It’s good to see money pumped into this area of town, and I’m happy to support the proposals.”
Previously, residents raised fears that the new park would be “full of drunks and druggies”, and questioned whether the open space was needed.
However, Kent Police registered no objection to the plans, and at the meeting, officers confirmed CCTV cameras would be installed.
With the creation of the new public space, the current bus stops will be moved to outside Middelburg Square and in a row towards Shellons Street, close to the Bouverie Place shopping centre entrance.
The relocation plan however was not part of the application to transform Bouverie Square, and will be decided on at a later date by Kent County Council (KCC).
Residents had also previously raised concerns over the new positions and their impact on the elderly and disabled, with fears they would be on a hill.
At the meeting, officers confirmed that although the layout was still being discussed, the stops will all be positioned on a flat surface, with new pedestrian crossings added to improve accessibility.
A spokesperson for Stagecoach added: “We’re working closely with KCC and contractors on plans and phasing for the relocation of bus stops in the town centre.
“Access to buses is a critical factor in the redevelopment scheme and for the town’s future, which is why we’re working in close partnership with all involved to ensure the transition takes place as smoothly as possible.”
FHDC also plans to improve the route from Folkestone Central railway station to the town centre and revamp the road layout of nearby Middelburg Square to accommodate the relocated bus stops.
The northern arm of Middelburg Square, which is currently one-way, would become two-way to improve traffic flow.
This will be achieved by introducing a 20mph speed limit from the junctions of Cheriton Road and Cheriton Gardens, through Middelburg Square, and onto Shellons Street.
Work is set to begin on the new park on April 7 and finish in the summer 2026.
Cllr Rich Holgate, cabinet member for the district economy at FHDC, said: “Folkestone – A Brighter Future will be transformational for Folkestone town centre.
“It’s great news that we’ve got a start date and partners in place who can now make these plans a reality.”
Neil Baker, Kent KCC’s cabinet member for highways and transport, added: “I am thrilled that we are supporting FHDC in delivering their ambitious project, which will see the heart of Folkestone modernised.”
Find out about planning applications that affect you by visiting the Public Notice Portal
Other schemes listed under the A Brighter Future project include opening up space in Sandgate Road for markets and outdoor events and improving access through town along Guildhall Street and Shellons Street.
Further changes are proposed to improve pedestrian crossings at Folkestone Central Station and Radnor Park.
