Statement: Folkestone library provision consultation

Published: 18 July 2024

An image of Grace Hill Folkestone Library

Folkestone & Hythe District Council has issued an initial statement following the launch of a public consultation on proposals for the future of library service provision in Folkestone town centre.

Kent County Council is proposing to permanently close the existing Grace Hill site and find an alternative town centre location for the library and registration service. A proposal to move it to Folca in Sandgate Road has been suggested by County Hall in its announcement.

Cllr Mike Blakemore, Cabinet Member for Community and Collaboration, said: “We shall be responding fully to Kent County Council’s consultation, but our preferred option is for the Grace Hill building to remain as a community hub and to include the facilities offered by the library service.

“Discussions continue about how the space at Folca – the former Debenhams' store – can best be used to benefit the town centre, residents and businesses. No business case for its future use, even in part, by the county council has been brought forward or any terms agreed.”

Consultation documents can be found on Kent County Council's website. Residents have until midnight on Wednesday 11 September to share their views.