Folkestone & Hythe District Council Monthly Update: February 2026
A monthly bulletin from F&HDC. This month: Swimming, Leas Stabilisation works, Greatstone Coastal Opportunity, Shaping Economic Growth, Folkestone Generation, Folca, Net Zero and Volunteer Awards.
Swimming under the spotlight
Councillors will be considering funding proposals to help re-open Folkestone Sports Centre pool and make much-needed improvements to the council-owned Hythe Pool.
Cabinet members will discuss at a meeting on 11 February a one-off £2.4million grant to help The Sports Trust to refurbish the Radnor Park Avenue pool, changing rooms and pool plant machinery.
Once this work is carried out, attention could then turn to Hythe Pool. Consideration is to be given to funding improvements from the Section 106 agreement which compels housing developers to offer investment into a community to support the needs of families moving into new homes.
Lower Leas cliff work
Stabilisation work has just begun near The Vinery in Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park.
The work involves regrading the cliff edge, soil nailing and the installation of netting and is necessary following the 2024 landslide.
Once the work is completed (expected early April), the upgrade of equipment in the park’s adventure playground can begin.
Greatstone coastal opportunity
The new beachside destination is to be known as the Changing Tides Coastal Centre when it opens later this year.
Alongside the 93 beach huts (the last few are still available) is a café concession and anyone interested in operating it should register their interest through Motis Estates.
Shaping the district’s economic growth
Residents and businesses are urged to have their say in the council’s plan to support sustainable and inclusive growth across the district.
A short survey can be completed online or by picking up a paper copy from the Civic Centre. It will inform work by the council in areas such as green innovation and low-carbon growth, strengthening the visitor economy and making better use of land and employment sites.
The survey needs to be completed before 16 March 2026
Next step for Folkestone regeneration
Work on a key aspect of the £20m project regenerating Folkestone town centre has begun.
A new “green heart” is replacing the former Folkestone bus station at Bouverie Square with a more inviting space being created, including an area for play.
The work is part of the Folkestone – A Brighter Future programme. This is being largely funded by central government after the district council successfully bid for a share of what was known as Levelling Up investment.
Folca building
Members of the council’s Cabinet are due to be asked this month to agree moving forward with a commercial, mixed-use development for the Folca 2 building in Folkestone town centre.
This would also include the provision of a medical centre in the Art Deco section of the building.
Meanwhile progress is being made on the sale of Folca 1- the Edwardian part. Six bids were submitted and the council has now identified a preferred bidder whose intention is to restore this part of the building to its former glory. Funds from the sale will go towards the development of Folca 2.
Pathway to net zero
A district-wide strategy for tackling the urgent challenge posed by climate change and ecological decline has been launched.
The launch was at a community and business partnership meet up held in Folkestone in January.
It was the opportunity for business owners, charity and community members to come together to create and strengthen pathways to a more sustainable future.
Volunteer award scheme
The search is on for volunteers who go that extra mile in dedicating their time and skills for others in the district.
Nominations are open for the Folkestone & Hythe Excellence in Volunteering Awards run on behalf of the council by Kent Coast Volunteering.
Awards will be presented in June and the deadline for nominations is Friday 17 April.
