The present UCF campus is operating well, catering for up to 500 students with its current capacity. The university believes it could expand considerably on the current site and in the event that future expansion should be required, other locations could be explored for this.
Folkestone’s transport link with France finally ceased operations in 2000. The Folkestone – Boulogne Ferry could not compete with the introduction of Eurotunnel and high capacity ferry crossings from Dover. The termination of Duty Free shopping in June 1999 dealt a further blow to the rail/ferry service. Since then, several attempts to re-instate a ferry service have proven to be uneconomic and unworkable. The former Folkestone to Boulogne ferry services suffered from high cancellation rates even in the Summer, due to the poor harbour location which offers minimal room, and limited protection from high winds.
However, we plan to incorporate Folkestone Harbour’s transport heritage into the new approach and we are keen to explore ways in which a green corridor can be cultivated to link the seafront with the rest of the town.
Our plans propose the addition of pontoons and extra berthing in the harbour, but any additions must work within English Heritage’s guidelines, who gave the East Head listed status in 2006. The pontoons are subject to further work and consultation. The project cannot currently support the very high cost of a permanently afloat harbour in which the tide conditions would still limit access to 5 hours around high tide.