The restrictive one-way transport system feeding the harbour and poor public transport provision both need careful consideration. Kent County Council is currently undertaking a consultation on the possibility of Tram Road becoming two-way to release the burden on Tontine Street. Meanwhile local bus companies have been engaged to ensure new public transport routes will provide for the development.
We have commissioned architects, Sir Terry Farrell and Partners (www.terryfarrell.co.uk) to draft a Masterplan for the Seafront. Their brief is to create a vibrant public realm enlivening the seafront by mixing recreational and residential use. The ambition is to build upon the substantial regeneration work that has already taken place in the Creative Quarter in Folkestone’s Old Town. Once regenerated, the seafront will increase its attractiveness to visitors and residents providing a new public realm and benefitting the local economy.
We expect that different architects will be involved as the scheme progresses. To ensure high design standards are maintained, Terry Farrell and Partners will develop a Style Guide for the seafront to which all buildings will need to adhere.
The Environment Agency is engaged in discussions with our flood risk experts, who have advised a natural approach of beach nourishment, which will be the first stage of construction to reduce the risk of flooding. In addition to this, the Farrell design will optimise the natural beach which will in turn reinforce sea defences already in place.
There will be allocated parking for each residential unit, whilst visitor parking is a town-wide issue which we need to address with both the district and county councils. However, parking does not become critical until the later stages of the development. Any parking plans will ensure that disabled parking is provided.