The head of a district’s coastal town regeneration says Herne Bay and Whitstable have different characters and attract different types of tourists.
The head of a district’s coastal town regeneration vision says they need to think differently compared to other Kent rivals to create “a distinctive offer”.
Cllr Chris Cornell says Whitstable and Herne Bay have “different characters” and stressed emerging proposals do “not necessarily” have to follow the same path as Folkestone and Margate to help them stand out.
The Labour cabinet member for coastal regeneration was speaking following the publication of Canterbury City Council’s draft proposals for its emerging “town centre strategies”.
Cllr Cornell said: “It’s easy to say every coastal town wants to be like Margate or Folkestone with the amount of money they’ve had invested in them, but that’s not necessarily what we want to bring forward.
“Herne Bay and Whitstable have different characters and attract different types of tourists.”
Referring to Herne Bay, he said it is “a town with a bit of an older population than we have elsewhere, it has problems with youth training and unemployment, so a tourist-focused strategy didn’t seem appropriate”.
He added: “There is a lot of competition for tourist overnight stays now, especially on the coast, and we need to look at what our coastal towns bring so we have a distinctive offer.”
Whitstable has long been regarded as the original DFL (down from London) hotspot in Kent, with residents relocating from the capital leading to a burgeoning arts and restaurant scene.
That has also helped the likes of Folkestone, which has benefitted from investment by former Saga boss Sir Roger De Haan and its harbourside redevelopment works, and Margate which welcomed the Turner Contemporary and a developing arts scene.
Both towns now welcome former Londoners as well, who have added to various businesses to the high streets.
The strategy also features developing ways to create “a world-class visitor destination” for Canterbury. Councillors are now set to scrutinise those plans this week.
The preface to the report, to be discussed at CCC’s overview committee on Wednesday (December 10), says “the loss of familiar brands and services is unnerving for some”.
It adds “the evolution of our high street also provides an opportunity for local needs to be met in different ways, and for new uses to appear in underused spaces”.
The report says the authority is aiming for Canterbury to be “a world-class visitor destination, with a reputation for learning, literature and legacy”.
The cathedral city is currently undergoing significant works as part of projects funded by the previous government’s Levelling Up programme, such as turning the area around Westgate Towers into a public realm area, repairs to Canterbury Castle and improving public spaces throughout the city centre, including the Dane John Gardens.
The district’s coastal towns, however, are also up for possible regeneration in the future.
The council aims to “restore and reconnect the coastal gems” in Herne Bay, such as the King’s Hall and Bandstand, on which survey works are currently ongoing.
Regeneration plans also outline major upgrades, including creating a continuous, high-quality seafront that is “a single destination and brings people together and showcases the town’s identity”.
A key focus is Mortimer Street, where underused buildings and spaces would be brought back into active use to support events, pop-ups and creative activity throughout the year.
The strategy also pledges to “actively improve and programme” Wimereux Square into a space “that works harder for the town”.
Proposals also include enhancing leisure and water-based offers, improving walking routes between the seafront and high streets, and introducing green corridors linking to the Saxon Shore Way.
The strategy highlights new youth spaces, stronger community involvement and a unified destination brand to promote responsible coastal tourism.
In Whitstable, CCC wants the town to build on its “lively maritime character, creative culture and historic charm” into a year-round destination.
The strategy states: “Its working harbour and quirky independent high street will better balance the needs of its residents with the popularity as a tourist destination.”
The council’s draft plan proposes a more calm, greener high street by reducing congestion and improving pedestrian safety.
New public spaces in the town centre and harbour would host events and community activities year-round. The harbour is set to grow as an economic hub, adding active uses that build on the South Quay Shed and its maritime character.
Green corridor walking and cycling routes, including an extended Crab and Winkle Way, aim to cut car use and better link key destinations.
The strategy also focuses on creative workspaces, sensitive development, clearer visitor wayfinding and balancing the needs of residents with rising visitor demand.
Cllr Cornell suggested that sites for regeneration in Canterbury could include “our city centre car parks inside the city wall, for example”.
The strategy outlines actions to revive the city centre and improve accessibility for residents and visitors.
Underused sites would be opened up for community, cultural and creative uses, supported by partners such as the BID team and the city’s universities.
A stronger calendar of festivals, performances and civic events aims to boost the city’s cultural pull.
Public realm improvements around key heritage sites and new walking and cycling routes, including those linked to Canterbury Tales, would enhance access and safety.
The plan also proposes better links between neighbourhoods, improved park-and-ride, and expanded workspace and digital infrastructure to support jobs and innovation.
However, firm plans and specific projects planned as part of the work in the towns are not to be announced until February.
A spokesperson for CCC said: “We’ve been seeking the views and working with all sorts of people on drafting our town centre strategies and we’re especially pleased with how positively and constructively they have thrown themselves into taking part and the ideas they have generated.
“This is the first stage where we have pulled together a vision and a number of principles the strategies need to follow.
“Once everyone is happy with those, the details on projects, timelines and ways of paying for them will follow. There will be quick wins as well as things we can do in the medium and longer term.”
