Grace Hill – Community Working Together

Folkestone Central Library in Grace Hill closed in December 2022 due to extensive repairs needed on the building. Now, the Grace Hill Steering Group has been set up to return the building to public use.

Folkestone Town Council was able to purchase the building from KCC on 1st June 2026.  The community groups working together are aiming to get the building back into shape so that it can play a crucial role in our community once more.  They have now signed an agreement, a Memorandum of Understanding which sets out the vision of the group and how it intends to work towards opening again.

The community groups involved are: Folkestone Town Council, Creative Folkestone, One Folkestone, Folkestone & Hythe District Council (F&HDC) and the local Member of Parliament – Tony Vaughan, demonstrating a shared commitment to working collaboratively to support the future development and success of the Grace Hill project.

Folkestone Central Library first opened in 1888 and has long been a part of community learning and development.  In 1910, with funds from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, the building was extended.

the sassoon gallery

As well as being the library, and local registry office, the building was home to the Sassoon Gallery; a wonderful space for exhibitions and talks. The partnership of Creative Folkestone and their community partners wants to restore the building to a place of activity, creativity and learning once again.

Jon O’Conner, Trustee, Sunflower House, Said: “This proposal developed by Creative Folkestone provides our community with a positive working partnership and an opportunity to give Folkestone Library a new lease of life for future generations.”

Alastair Upton, Chief Executive (2012 – 2026), Creative Folkestone, said: “Folkestone Central Library is one of the town’s most treasured buildings. It represents more than a century of learning, sharing, and creativity. By bringing it back into use, we hope to give it a new life that continues that legacy and benefits everyone who lives, works, and studies in Folkestone. Education has always been at the heart of the library’s story, and we believe its future should once again provide opportunities for learning, creativity, and connection across our community.”

September 2026 update

The Memorandum of Understanding is the next step in getting the building back into public use.

F&HDC Councillor and Chair of Folkestone Town Council’s Finance Committee, Connor McConville said: “Work to secure the future use of 2 Grace Hill continues and these signed agreements with our community partners is a very positive step.

“Key objectives such as funding applications, community engagement and safe management of the building continue to be achievable. My thanks to the steering group, the wider council and to the community for their continued support for this challenging and exciting opportunity.”

Philippine Nguyen, the newly appointed Chief Executive Officer of Creative Folkestone, said: “I am immensely proud that one of my first actions as Chief Executive of Creative Folkestone is to be part of this huge step on the journey to return Grace Hill to community and creative use.

“I have been inspired by Folkestone and the ambition of the people here to enable creativity to happen. This building represents so much for the town and it is thanks to the hard work of all the partners involved that we can now work together to transform this space into something special.”

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