Plan proposed to save 'treasured' library building

An expression of interest to restore the building has been submitted to Kent County Council

Plans to restore a Kent library building as a community and cultural hub have been submitted to the county council.

Folkestone Library was forced to leave Grace Hill in December 2022 after the condition of the building sparked safety concerns.

Library services have since been moved to a temporary location as Kent County Council continues to search for a permanent site.

Arts charity Creative Folkestone has this week submitted a proposal to the council which seeks to restore the Grace Hill building to its former use.

Alastair Upton, chief executive of 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."

The proposal, which is supported by Folkestone and Hythe District Council, details plans to seek government funding for the restoration.

Creative Folkestone said that, together with community partners, it wants to work with the the county council to shape the application.

The proposed space would include a public library operated by the local authority alongside new areas for education, creative industries, and community events.

Artists' studios, digital work spaces and archive facilities are also being considered as part of the wider proposal.

Mike Blakemore, cabinet member for community and collaboration at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, said: "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?"

First opened in 1888, the library was extended in 1910 using donated by philanthropist Andrew Carnegie.

A building survey in 2024 found that repairs to the Grace Hill building, which is Grade II listed, would cost the county council £2.9m.