Creative Folkestone and community partners propose plans to restore Folkestone Central Library as a community and cultural hub
Folkestone’s historic Central Library could be brought back to life as Creative Folkestone and community partners submit an expression of interest to Kent County Council to restore the landmark building and return it to public use.
Located on Grace Hill, Folkestone Central Library has stood at the heart of the town for more than a century. First opened in 1888, the library was built on a strong tradition of community learning. In 1910, the building was extended with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie. The proposal submitted today to save the library coincides with the 115th anniversary of the new extension opening in 1910.
It is well known that the Central Library building is in need of extensive maintenance and repairs. Significant capital investment will be required to realise the vision set out by Creative Folkestone and community groups. The proposal to Kent County Council is to work together and apply for central government funding that will enable this important community asset to be brought back to life.
The vision for the library is to create a vibrant, multi-use space that reflects both its history and future potential. The plan proposes space for a public library operated by Kent County Council, alongside new areas for education, creative industries, and community events. Artists’ studios, digital workspaces, and archive facilities are also being considered as part of the wider proposal.
Building on the success of the Creative Quarter, the restoration will further strengthen Folkestone’s reputation as a creative place. The town was recently voted the best place to live in the southeast and continues to demonstrate how creativity can increase economic growth and provide opportunity for individuals and communities to develop.
Jon O’Conner, Trustee, Sunflower House, Said:
“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.”
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. Education has always been at the heart of the library’s story, and we believe its future should once again provide opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection across our community.”
If successful, the project will combine Creative Folkestone’s experience in managing buildings and building community with the knowledge and passion of local people. Together, the partnership aims to ensure that the library once again becomes a welcoming, inclusive space for all.
Today’s announcement from Creative Folkestone showcases the charity’s ongoing commitment to books, learning, and community, aligning with the upcoming Folkestone Book Festival due to take place this November. Folkestone Book Festival is one of the UK’s longest-running literary festivals and continues to welcome audiences to enjoy books, ideas, and conversation.
The charity also recently announced a project called Folkestone is a Library, a town-wide storytelling initiative funded by Arts Council England over the next three years. This project aims to elevate books, reading, and education as a cornerstone of Creative Folkestone’s mission.
About Creative Folkestone
Creative Folkestone is a visionary arts charity leading the transformation of Folkestone through creativity, ambition and community. We believe that everyone is creative, and that creativity has the power to change people and places for the better.
At the heart of our work is the Creative Quarter, a thriving neighbourhood of artists, makers and independent businesses. It is a living example of how creativity can regenerate a town, creating opportunities and inspiring pride in where we live.
Through Folkestone Book Festival we bring together leading writers and thinkers to explore ideas that shape the world around us. The festival celebrates the written and spoken word as a space for dialogue, curiosity and connection.
Our Learning and Participation programme ensures that creativity is open to everyone. Working with schools, young people and community groups, we enable new voices to emerge and empower the next generation to lead the town’s cultural future.
We also produce the Folkestone Triennial, the UK’s largest exhibition of newly commissioned public art. Artists are invited to use the town as their gallery, creating striking works that connect local stories with global themes. Previous commissions include works by Cornelia Parker, Jeremy Deller, Cristina Iglesias and Richard Wilson.
Across our venues, from Quarterhouse, our performing arts space, to Prospect Cottage, the former home of filmmaker and artist Derek Jarman, we lead, enable and champion creativity in all its forms.
Together, our projects demonstrate the power of imagination to transform a place. We are ambitious for Folkestone’s future and committed to enabling creativity to shape a more vibrant, inclusive and inspiring town for everyone.