The council is pursuing temporary plans to restore library services in the town
11:32, 31 Oct 2025
Folkestone’s much-loved Grace Hill Central Library, which closed in 2022 due to its deteriorating condition, could be brought back to life after Creative Folkestone and community partners submitted a formal proposal to restore the landmark building. The expression of interest, submitted to Kent County Council (KCC) on Tuesday (October 28), outlines a vision to secure central government funding to restore the historic red-brick building and return it to public use, coinciding with the 115th anniversary of the library’s 1910 extension.
The Central Library, which first opened in 1888, closed in December 2022 due to its deteriorating condition. This closure sparked immediate public protest and a 3,647-signature petition calling for its restoration, despite KCC confirming in January that it did not consider making repairs to the building to be “financially justifiable.”
The campaign to save the library, now in its third year, has been a sustained effort. The detailed, practical partnership proposal was formulated through extensive discussions with KCC, Folkestone and Hythe District Council (FHDC), and Creative Folkestone.
Creative Folkestone say the plans are set within the context of a wider £15 million regeneration project and build on the success of the Creative Quarter. The core of the vision is a vibrant, multi-use space that includes a dedicated area for a public library operated by KCC, alongside new spaces for education, creative industries, and community events.
Artists’ studios, digital workspaces, and archive facilities are also being considered. While the long-term vision offers a potential solution, KCC is pressing ahead with temporary plans to restore full library services in the town centre.
KCC recently announced plans to relocate the library service and the Adult Education Centre to a temporary site in the former Job Centre in Sandgate Road. This move follows the scaling down of the library service to Shepway Youth Club since November 2023.
The council said the Sandgate Road site is a more suitable home, offering space for the full library stock, popular activities such as Baby Rhyme Time, and access to the archive and local studies collection. A planning application has been submitted for a change of use, and if approved, the library will move from Shepway Youth Club in spring 2026.
KCC confirmed it will continue to explore all permanent options for the library, including inviting proposals from the community regarding the original Grace Hill site, alongside other town centre locations. Alastair Upton, chief executive, Creative Folkestone, said: “Folkestone Central Library is one of the town’s most treasured buildings.
"It represents more than a century of learning, sharing, and creativity. By bringing it back into use, we hope to give it a new life that continues that legacy and benefits everyone who lives, works, and studies in Folkestone.”
Jon O’Conner, trustee, Sunflower House, welcomed the collaboration: “This proposal developed by Creative Folkestone provides our community with a positive working partnership and an opportunity to give Folkestone Library a new lease of life for future generations.” The campaign group noted that recent basic repairs to the building had been completed to prevent water ingress, confirming the building’s potential for restoration.
Folkestone & Hythe District Council has voiced its support for the new proposal. Councillor Mike Blakemore, Cabinet member for community and collaboration said: “Creative Folkestone and Sunflower House have together come up with an imaginative bid that would give Grace Hill library an exciting new future. We have supported this proposal from the start and I am thrilled to have seen it take shape.
“Creativity and community are the lifeblood of Folkestone and what could be better than combining them with learning in the shape of a newly restored library? I sincerely hope Kent County Council accepts the bid so that we can see Grace Hill open its doors again after so long.”
Initial soundings taken by Creative Folkestone suggest there are potential funders willing to come on board. The group highlighted KCC’s success in refreshing the library offer in Dover through partnership, stating, “they are ready to do the same here.”
KCC confirmed it will continue to explore all permanent options for the library, including inviting proposals from the community regarding the original Grace Hill site, alongside other town centre locations. Creative Folkestone is hosting the upcoming Folkestone Book Festival this November.
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