What We Do

If creative people and businesses are to locate in Folkestone they need suitable accommodation at affordable cost.

These costs need to be controlled in the medium to long term if we are to avoid the “Hoxton effect”. Hoxton was a run down area just north of the City of London. Artists moved into the area attracted by its relatively low costs, and helped to make it fashionable. Rents rose and now the area has lost its creative character to become a residential adjunct of the City.

The Creative Quarter
Our primary role is in the purchase, refurbishment, and management of property in the Creative Quarter. We commission specialists to carry out the refurbishment to a high standard, and then we manage relationships with our ever-expanding group of tenants.

Because the Creative Foundation is becoming the major landlord in the Creative Quarter, and because we are a charity, not a profit-driven organisation, we can ensure that rents remain within the reach of creative people, anchoring the character of the regenerated town. Much of the property in the Creative Quarter is in appalling condition and its refurbishment would not be attractive to commercial investors. With the support of a major philanthropic backer and statutory agencies we are free to restore the area to its former glory, and then some.

Rents will inevitably rise but at a steady and reasonable rate. Although we are a major landlord, but we have no desire to own all the properties in the Creative Quarter. We want to encourage like-minded businesses to join us and work alongside us, whether they are established businesses in the area or new businesses attracted by the changing character of the Quarter.

Co-ordination
We have a natural role in helping to co-ordinate many of the elements coming together in Folkestone’s regeneration. Our team is also closely involved with the Metropole Galleries, the Folkestone Sculpture Triennial and the Folkestone Literary Festival. We work closely with the regional development agency, local authorities, higher education institutions and public/private partnership bodies. Through this collaboration we can also provide business advice and support to our community of creative tenants.
Education is a critical part of what we do: we are bringing a university centre to the town for the first time (focused on creative work), as well as supporting important initiatives in secondary and adult education. See our education page for more information.

Promotion
We aim to make Folkestone a more attractive place for everyone to live and work. After years of decline the town is little known outside East Kent. It’s part of our job to change that, publicising what’s going on here, both as a case study in regeneration and a growing creative community. As more visitors come here they will bring widening opportunities for that community to sustain itself.