Folca 1 up for sale as part of 'Brighter Future' plans

A KEY section of Folkestone's former Debenhams building, which was officially renamed Folca after being purchased by Folkestone and Hythe District Council in 2020, has been put up for sale as part of a revised strategy to revive the town centre site.

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The building is split into two distinct parts: Folca 1, the Edwardian wing facing Bouverie Place; and Folca 2, the Art Deco section fronting Sandgate Road.

The freehold of Folca 1, a substantial 26,963 square feet of space, has now gone on the open market with agents Avison Young.

The decision to sell Folca 1 follows a detailed feasibility study. Although the council initially approved plans in 2021 to convert the wing into a medical centre, in November 2023 it was revealed that surveys had found that the building was unsuitable for that use.

Councillors formally agreed in July of this year that placing Folca 1 on the open market was the most sensible course of action.