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
One of our primary roles is in the purchase, refurbishment and management of
property in the Creative Quarter. Much of the property in the Quarter is in
appalling condition and its refurbishment would not be attractive to
commercial investors.

With the support of a major philanthropic backer and some support from
statutory agencies we are able to restore the area to its former glory.
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 runs the Folkestone Triennial, the Folkestone Book Festival, Quarterhouse our new performing arts centre and a major programme of cultural engagement for young people – Shepway Find Your Talent. 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 have brought 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: developing new attractions and publicising what’s going on here, both as a case study in regeneration and as a growing creative community. As more visitors come here they will bring widening opportunities for that community to sustain itself.