Foster Seafront Development Moves Closer
The following is the entire statement issued by Jimmy Gooden,
Roger de Haan and Viscount Folkestone with regard to their agreement on the
Folkestone seafront area:
A formal agreement has been signed for the transfer of all of the property
interests of Mr James Godden in the Folkestone seafront area to an entity
controlled by Roger De Haan. A joint venture between Roger De Haan and the
Trustees of the Folkestone Estate is in the process of being formed to take
forward plans to develop the seafront and harbour area in accordance with the
principles set out in the Masterplan published by Foster and Partners in early
2006.
Announcing the move, Roger De Haan said: “This agreement represents a
significant step towards the comprehensive regeneration of Folkestone seafront.
This will have a positive effect on the economy of Folkestone and a major part
of east Kent, and the improvements it will make will have a dramatic impact on
the lives of many people. During the past year I have been encouraged by the
welcome that our plans have received from people right across the Shepway
district, and I am delighted that we can now begin to move forward to implement
our proposals.”
Jim Godden stated: “I am pleased that the situation over the seafront has been
resolved. The seafront has played a major part in my life and I know that many
millions of people have enjoyed the recreational facilities offered there. I
would like to thank the people of Folkestone for their support over the years.”
Viscount Folkestone, speaking on behalf of the Trustees of the Folkestone
Estate, said: “The Folkestone Estate has enjoyed a long relationship with the
town, and I now look forward to working with Roger De Haan on the creation of an
entirely new stage in its development. The proposals put forward by Foster and
Partners present an exciting opportunity to capitalise on Folkestone’s
traditional relationship with the sea, and to restore the amenity of the
seashore that the town has enjoyed in the past.”
The Leader of Shepway District Council, Cllr Robert Bliss, said: “This is a
tremendous present for the people of Folkestone. The implications of this
announcement are important for the entire Shepway District. There are obvious
benefits of a project of this size in terms of job creation during construction,
but there are even greater advantages in the longer-term employment
opportunities that this development will bring. These, together with the
proposed improvements to the built environment on the seashore, will help move
Folkestone forward into a much brighter future.”
Article from Go Folkestone Newsletter March 2007
