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On this particular Sunday, the town of Folkestone in east Kent is experiencing sunny weather. Both residents and visitors are making the most of this unexpected climate by indulging in pints and fish and chips at the beach.
The Creative Quarter, located in the center of town, is bustling as tourists explore the artist communities. Just a short stroll down the Harbour Arm – a 0.5 mile boardwalk – is alive with people trying out delicious street food.
The picturesque setting of the town, often recognized as one of the top places to reside in the UK, conceals a growing resistance towards further development. Local residents are concerned that the area is becoming gentrified and resembling “a modern-day Dubai”.
The rejuvenation of Folkestone is the brainchild of Sir Roger De Haan, former chairman of insurance company SAGA, which was founded by his father Sidney.
The residents of the shoreline community have been making fun of the Shoreline Crescent project by the coast because it produces a whistling sound when the wind blows.
In 1984, he assumed control of the company following his father’s retirement. In 2004, he then sold the company for £1.35 billion. In recognition of his contributions to education and charity, he was knighted in 2014.
For over 20 years, De Haan has dedicated millions of dollars to the town through his philanthropic trust and his company, the Folkestone Harbour Seafront Development Company.
Residents who spoke with The Independent reported notable enhancements to Folkestone, but expressed worries about upcoming construction that will result in 1,000 residences along the beach and harbor.
The initial phase of the project consists of the upscale Shoreline Crescent residences located along the shoreline. The most affordable unit, a one-bedroom apartment, starts at a price of £430,000, which is beyond the means of many in the local area.
The unfinished buildings have caused ridicule as they produce a loud whistling noise due to the strong ocean breeze along the coastline, causing frustration for residents who claim it has hindered their ability to sleep.
A group called Block the Blocks has emerged in response to concerns about the town’s direction and future growth, aiming to stop the construction of “monstrous” towers.
According to Jasmine Fagg, rental prices in the town have significantly increased.
More than 8,000 people have signed a petition against the latest apartment complex designs on the beachfront, which have been compared to a “Flintstones home”, “giant turds”, and a “vanity project for millionaires”.
Jasmine Fagg is the proprietor of Silver by the Sea, a company that sells jewelry in the marketplace on Harbour Arm. She is worried about the potential impact on her business and others.
Many individuals have expressed displeasure with the Harbour Arm development, particularly due to the presence of the market in the area,” she stated. “All of the flats will be priced at a million pounds, similar to the newly constructed ones on the beach…
Some individuals who may visit during the summer may not be aware of the harsh weather conditions and the constant whistling noise from the flats. Numerous residents in older homes have expressed their frustration with the incessant noise.
The individual, who is 22 years old, expressed that rental prices in the town have recently skyrocketed and it is challenging for young individuals to relocate.
Several individual stores in the city are backing the Block the Blocks movement.
She stated that she is unable to financially support herself and move out, as the prices for a shared room in the area range from £500 to £600. The new apartments being constructed are not meant for Folkestone residents, but rather for those from London or for those seeking vacation homes.
She mentioned several advantages of Folkestone, such as the high number of tourists and the emergence of new food and beverage establishments.
According to her, Folkestone has improved significantly from its previous state. However, she is concerned about the impending redevelopment of the Harbour Arm.
She stated that the number of visitors and vacationers who express their love for the High Street, Harbour, and beach will significantly decrease. This will have a major impact on the overall footfall in Folkestone.
The Folkestone Creative Quarter is a hub for artists and small, locally-owned businesses.
The town’s resident jeweller, Amy Craddock, has been a local for four years and is unsure about the town’s current trajectory. She believes the new development does not align with the character of the area.
She expressed her concern, saying that she doesn’t believe it’s a beneficial direction for the town to take. She clarified that she doesn’t oppose development entirely, but suggests that it could be approached in a more considerate manner towards the environment.
“Perhaps we could consider a lower level approach, taking into account the current financial climate. Instead of just constructing large structures like in Dubai.”
The individual, aged 45, stated that the plans for constructing additional high-end apartments altered the image of De Haan, who was previously viewed as a revitalizing figure for the town. However, it appears that public sentiment has since turned against him.
Olivia Corriette, a 25-year-old resident and manager at The Lighthouse Tasting Rooms, shared similar worries regarding the alterations to housing in the vicinity.
Prince Charles awarded Roger de Haan CBE with the Prince of Wales Medals for Arts Philanthropy at Clarence House in central London.
She stated that she believes the current trend is favorable for dining out, socializing, and attending events, but not so much for property. There are many luxurious, yet costly, apartments being constructed, making it difficult for someone in their twenties, like herself, to afford.
“Eventually, you may reach a point where you feel like you are being forced to leave the place where you have grown up due to financial constraints.”
I have observed that many of our clients are either from London or from out of town. These individuals are interested in the properties being constructed and view them as their vacation residences.
Michaela Kolmosova, a 24-year-old bartender from Folkestone, expressed that many individuals are dissatisfied with the situation. She believes that the changes to the Harbour Arm may be too drastic for some people to handle.
She stated that residents were worried about additional growth causing rent prices to increase, but overall the town has made significant improvements and has become more welcoming.
Olivia Corriette believes that the town’s selection of available properties is not heading in the right direction.
Bridget Chapman, a Labour representative for Folkestone Harbour Ward, stated that a significant portion of the messages she receives from residents are complaints about the development. Some individuals she spoke with referred to the whistling buildings as “tinnitus towers”.
In my opinion, there is a need for housing in this region. However, this particular development does not meet the needs of the local community. The ward where it is being constructed is ranked as the 11th most disadvantaged area in Kent.
Ms Chapman reported that she has received reports from several residents who have been served with a Section 21 notice, which allows for no fault evictions. According to the landlords, they can earn higher rent from individuals moving from London. This has resulted in many people facing difficulty in finding affordable housing.
She stated her support for the activists and emphasized the need for more affordable housing for essential workers with limited budgets, rather than expensive luxury homes that do not fulfill the town’s needs.
Regarding the sound issue at the “whistling” apartments, the Folkestone and Harbour Seafront development stated that it will be resolved once the construction is finished and the balconies on the West Shoreline are installed.
According to Sir Roger De Haan, he has dedicated “20-25 years” to revitalizing Folkestone. He also mentioned that before the recent developments, the town’s economy was “struggling”.
He stood by his decision to invest in the town and cited the impact of his charitable trust’s actions, including buying 90 abandoned properties in the historic district and renting them out to artists at a minimal cost, as a driving force in the revitalization of the local economy.
In response to claims of gentrification, he stated that while building expensive housing in place of affordable housing would be gentrification, he is not doing so. He believes that the 1,000 new homeowners in the area will contribute to the local economy by utilizing the town’s businesses and establishments.
He addressed the criticism of the planned apartment buildings by stating that the architects have made changes to make the design less innovative. Additionally, they have decreased the number of units and expanded the streets. He noted that these modifications were well-received by the community organizations.
Source: independent.co.uk
