Folkestone Town Council has completed the purchase of 2 Grace Hill from Kent County Council, bringing the historic building back into community hands. The acquisition, finalised in June 2026, ends a campaign to stop the site being sold at auction and opens the way for the eventual return of the town’s library, alongside new spaces for creative industries and voluntary groups.
Town Mayor Councillor Jackie Meade called the freehold purchase a landmark achievement. “Securing the freehold of 2 Grace Hill is a significant achievement and a proud moment for Folkestone,” she said. “This is about safeguarding an important site and ensuring its future is shaped by, and for, our community.” The council submitted its offer at nominal cost after Kent County Council confirmed plans to dispose of the building, with councillors determined not to leave its future to chance. Cllr Tim Prater, who moved the motion to buy the property, said generations of residents had grown up visiting the library and museum there. He added the restoration would be a long and costly process, but one now led and owned by the people of Folkestone.
The vision for the building includes returning Folkestone Library to its former home, though that cannot happen until 2031 because of current contracts. A new library opened at 14 Sandgate Road on 26 May 2026, restoring services to the town centre for the first time in three years. The council also plans to create a hub for cultural and creative industries and set aside space for the voluntary sector. Cllr Connor McConville, chair of the finance and general purposes committee, said working with Creative Folkestone would combine community ownership with creative expertise, helping to nurture talent, support the local economy and strengthen the town’s reputation as a creative destination.
The deal was backed by a wide partnership including Folkestone and Hythe District Council, the One Folkestone community partnership and Tony Vaughan MP. Brian Collins, deputy leader of Kent County Council, said the authority understood how much the building means to Folkestone and was pleased to reach an agreement. The council now faces years of fundraising to restore the building for the next 120 years, and will arrange community engagement sessions to share details of the condition, plans and ways for residents to get involved.
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