Final approvals granted on Leas Pavilion restoration

The final approvals have been granted to property developers Gustavia to restore Folkestone's Grade II-listed former tea-rooms.

Once completed, Leas Pavilion will act as a reception for the accompanying 91 apartments as well as being available to the community for up to 100 events each year.

Selahattin Yalcin, Development Director of Gustavia, said: “We are delighted to receive final pre-commencement permissions for this incredibly exciting project for Folkestone.

“We’re fully aware that the pavilion holds many happy memories for the people of Folkestone. The local community can rest assured those memories will survive as we carefully return this beautiful pavilion to its original form within a refurbished structure which will stand for another 100 years and more.”

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The Edwardian tea-rooms were a popular destination for soldiers billeted in Folkestone during the First World War. At various points since the pavilion was used as a theatre, cinema, bowling alley and nightclub, but has become derelict since closing in 2007.

The site will require extensive work to restore, having suffered water damage and timber decay. This work will include the removal and cleaning of some of the building’s historical elements, including the terracotta outer façade. Where retaining the original features is impossible, casts and samples will be taken to ensure the recreation remains historically accurate.

Ant Yapi UK, Gustavia’s appointed contractor, are scheduled to being work in early June, starting with the preservation of the outer façade.

Selahattin added: “Leas Pavilion has long been known as one of the town’s oldest jewels. We cannot wait to polish that jewel and present it to the community.”

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