Creative Quarter – Now Open For Business
An update on progress by Peter Bettley of the Creative
Foundation.
Most readers of the Go Folkestone Newsletter will be familiar with the
developments that are taking place in the Creative Quarter, mainly in the Old
High Street and Tontine Street. The pace of change has quickened noticeably this
year, and at the recent Open Evening the Chairman of the Creative Foundation,
Roger De Haan, was able to invite people to visit 24 new galleries, shops, cafes
and boutiques in the Creative Quarter compared with just eight the previous
year.
From the feedback that we receive, the vast majority of residents and visitors
like the changes that are taking place. For those of us involved in the process
on a detailed level we are only too aware of the painstakingly slow progress on
some projects, and we have to remind ourselves constantly that we are
endeavouring to put right the effects of nearly half a century of neglect, and
that it is only three years since the first refurbishment projects began. The
task is quite formidable: the Creative Foundation is often targeting some of
Folkestone’s most run-down properties, many of them requiring major internal and
external reconstruction to correct serious structural defects. This alone makes
the job of renovation and restoration a complex and expensive process, and the
task is further complicated by the area’s designation as a Conservation Area.
Wherever possible, the aim is to restore and renovate existing properties rather
than demolish and build from scratch, although in many instances the latter
approach would often be more cost effective. Renovation is generally considered
to be a “greener” option and serves to preserve important reminders of
Folkestone’s architectural heritage. The one existing building that has been
demolished – the former site of Dunks the builders in Tontine Street – is now
being replaced with a new performing arts and business centre designed by an
exciting and award-winning architects practice with a growing reputation. Alison
Brooks’ building will act as a beacon in the heart of Tontine Street that will
attract theatre and concert-goers by night and business and conference users by
day. It will also have a bar/restaurant that it is hoped will be amongst a host
of new venues that will become established in this quarter of the town.
It is inevitable that individuals who have Folkestone’s best
interests at heart will have differing views about what should and should not be
incorporated into the Creative Quarter. One core objective is to achieve
sustainability – arts and cultural quarters in other towns and cities both in
this country and elsewhere have often faltered after a relatively short period
of success because the buildings in which the artists have worked and traded are
governed by commercial factors. As a regeneration charity, the Creative
Foundation can provide long-term stability for its tenants in the creative
industries, so that the community that is being formed here can prosper over a
period of many years to come. Nonetheless, the model is based on sound business
principles that ensure that good value is being delivered on behalf of all the
project’s stakeholders. Much of the Creative Foundation’s work is being funded
by the Roger De Haan Charitable Trust, but invaluable financial support is also
coming from Arts Council England, Kent County Council and SEEDA, amongst others.
Key relationships exist with both Folkestone Town Council and Shepway District
Council, to ensure that there is joined-up thinking in terms of developing the
Creative Quarter’s relationship with the rest of the town.
The quality of the public realm in and around the Creative Quarter remains a
concern. Street furniture, paving, lighting and parking all need to be improved
so that the area becomes a more pleasant environment. Measures are now being
considered in conjunction with the appropriate authorities to introduce changes
in the short term as well as more comprehensive longer-term plans. For example
public consultations have been held over proposals to pedestrianise part of
Tontine Street, and attention is also focusing on the area around the Performing
Arts and Business Centre at Mill Bay, prior to it’s opening next summer.
Feedback from Go Folkestone members is always welcome – whereas we cannot
promise to acknowledge every suggestion or comment, we always read the views of
those who care about Folkestone and its future, and this helps inform our plans.
Above all, please do continue to support the enterprising and talented people
who have opened shops and galleries in the Creative Quarter – it may be just the
answer for those tricky Christmas presents!
Article from Go Folkestone Newsletter December 2007
