WELCOME TO THE FOLKESTONE HARBOUR WEB SITE


Folkestone Harbour was built in stages between the 1840s and early 1900s around the old fishing port of Folkestone. Over the years passenger and freight ferries and cargo ships operated from the port to various destinations, the best-remembered link being that between Folkestone and Boulogne. By the late 1990s ferry operators Sea Containers Ltd, who then also owned Folkestone Harbour, decided that ferry operations had become unsustainable and the last ferry link was closed down in 2000.

In 2004, Sea Containers sold Folkestone Harbour to Roger De Haan CBE, former Chairman of the largest local employer, Saga. He commissioned research and development to show how Folkestone Harbour and seafront could be re-developed in a way that would re-establish Folkestone’s traditional links with the sea. The resultant masterplan, completed by Foster and Partners in 2006, indicated how a range of amenities, public recreation and new residential accommodation could be built in a way that would enhance and complement the existing environment. These plans won considerable public support, and consultations and exhibitions were held at which local people and visitors contributed further ideas and views about the proposals.

The Folkestone Harbour Company completed the acquisition of further land on the seafront in 2007. Since that time consultation has continued with planning authorities and government agencies, including the examination of further options for the development of the 35 acre site.