What has happened so far?
The following is a timeline of the key dates in the progress of the Levelling Up project to date.
April 2024
Ground investigation surveys were completed on the site.
March 2024
November 2023
Public engagement for phase 2 took place at Bouverie House Business Centre on 17 and 18 November. A virtual reality experience helped visitors to visualise the proposed changes.
Folkestone Fringe and The means Ltd appointed to bring vibrancy to the pedestrianised shopping areas of Sandgate Road and Guildhall Street. The team will also create ideas for the town's new green heart space in Bouverie Square.
July 2023
Public engagement for phase1 was held at Bouverie House Business Centre on 5 and 6 July from 12 noon until 7pm.
May 2023
Creative Folkestone appointed as creative partner for the project.
March 2023
Asbestos removed from area of Folca2 (area of building not being used for health centre).
February 2023
AECOM appointed as infrastructure consultants for phase1 (the route from Folkestone Central train station towards the town centre).
January 2023
Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities announce council’s funding bid is successful and £19.8m awarded.
November 2022
Pellings LLP appointed to oversee investigative surveys for Folca building to enable separation of site and initial works for area of building not being used for health centre and identified as Folca2.
August 2022
Bid for funding submitted to Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
June 2022
Council Cabinet agrees to match fund 10% of the overall cost of the bid being made for central government’s Levelling Up funding. Prior to submitting a bid Kent County Council agrees to support the project as delivery partner.