New housing scheme to bring 150 homes to Kent

By Tom Kilkelly

2 February 2023

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Folkestone and Hythe District Council has appointed Arup and Fletcher Priest Architects to design and obtain planning permission for a sustainable housing-led scheme close to Folkestone Town Centre.

The scheme, which was first announced in 2022, is a former gasworks on Ship Street which has been derelict since 1956. The project contributes to the Place Plan for Folkestone Town Centre.

Arup will lead the Technical Design team, with Fletcher Priest as Architecture & Urban Design Lead.

The Place Plan, developed by both We Made That and Fletcher Priest Architects, is an ongoing development project focused on attracting investment to Folkestone whilst simultaneously addressing the climate crisis.

UKIMEA Property Lead for Arup Rehana Raja said: “We are proud to be providing a design-led team on the regeneration of a brownfield site for Folkestone & Hythe District Council in partnership with Fletcher Priest Architects and Homes England.

‘’The development will deliver sustainable new homes for the community, using low carbon, adaptive and regenerative design, sustainable construction and promote healthy living.”

The scheme will be comprised of 150 homes of varying type and size. The houses, duplexes, and apartments will be the centre pieces of a housing scheme designed to promote sustainable lifestyles. There will be multiple incentives for residents to use public transport, cycling, and car clubs.

The site will also be the home of a new green car-free link, which will be a pedestrian route from the train-station to the town centre and harbour area. The green link will also include a shared green amenity in a pocket park and sustainable drainage systems.

The architects from both Arup and Fletcher Priest are also working with arts charity Creative Folkestone in an effort to integrate the project with artwork.

The scheme was announced to residents in March 2022 and the design, which is still in development, will be subject to the public’s input in the near future through public engagement meetings.

Folkestone and Hythe District Council’s Cabinet Member for Special Projects David Godfrey said: ‘’We are looking forward to bringing the site forward, helping to repair this long-standing tear in the urban fabric of Folkestone.

''We continue in our plan to transform this unsightly plot into a highly attractive and sustainable development that benefits the local community and positively adds to the distinctive cultural character of Folkestone.”

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By Tom Kilkelly

Tom Kilkelly started working as a freelance journalist for The Business Magazine following his graduation from UCL in 2022.

During his studies Tom became very interested in the works of Irish authors including Samuel Beckett and Flann O'Brien (Brian O'Nolan).

His current role as a freelance business reporter is his first exposure to the world of business journalism. Working at TBM has given Tom the chance to really get to grips with the goings-on in the business hive that is the South East.