Photo: Ray Duff – Grace Hill building
Folkestone Town Council has secured unanimous support from local district councillors to revitalise the landmark Grace Hill building following its official acquisition earlier this month.
The prominent town centre site, which was purchased by the town council on 1 June, is set to be brought back into active use. Local authority leaders intend for the building to serve as a hub for community benefits while simultaneously boosting economic activity across Folkestone. Work is now underway to design plans for the site’s long-term future alongside a major fundraising campaign to secure finance for a full structural refurbishment.
In the interim, district councillors have stepped in to provide immediate financial backing through their individual ward grants. This initial funding will immediately cover essential maintenance and upkeep costs during the opening phase of the project, ensuring the building remains secure and stable while detailed proposals are formalised.
The Mayor of Folkestone said:
“We are incredibly grateful to District Councillors for coming together to support the future of Grace
Hill. This collective commitment reflects the shared ambition to see this landmark building brought
back into meaningful use for our community. It is an important first step in what we hope will be a
transformative project for the town centre, and we look forward to building on this momentum in
the months ahead.”