Work begins on next stage of town's £20m revamp

The ongoing £20m regeneration of Folkestone town centre is said to be gaining "real momentum", with work beginning on a key aspect.

A new 'green heart' is to replace the former bus station at Bouverie Square, transforming it into "a much more inviting space, including a play area, to be enjoyed by residents and visitors", according to Folkestone & Hythe District Council.

However, to maintain public safety, access to the site has been closed off while the now-disused shelters are removed and planter walls demolished.

As a result, the toilets there are temporarily shut from Friday while the facilities undergo refurbishment, with a reopening planned for late spring.

James Butcher, the council's cabinet member for place plan, heritage, tourism and district economy, said: "There is now real momentum with the Folkestone – A Brighter Future project and Bouverie Square is set to become a focal point for the community.

"While there is short-term disruption, I'm pleased we can deliver refurbished toilets as part of this exciting next chapter."

During the closure, the nearest council-run toilets can be found in Pleydell Gardens, with the Bouverie Square Shopping Centre bathrooms also an option.

According to the council's website, the regeneration programme is now more than 40% complete, with the first wave of planting of trees and shrubs set for March.

The programme is due to be completed this summer.

The government-funded scheme also includes a change to the two-way traffic in Middelburg Square and the removal of some of the road network in Shellons Street to create a single two-way highway with more pedestrian crossings.

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