Proposed Decision:
To determine the future of Library provision in Folkestone town centre for a permanent Folkestone Library and Registration service and the future of the 2 Grace Hill building
Reason for the decision
- A Key decision is needed to confirm the long term location of Folkestone Library in the town and to determine the future of the 2 Grace Hill building.
Background – Provide brief additional context
- The Libraries, Registration and Archives Service (LRA) is a statutory and highly valued public service delivered through a network of 99 libraries, five register offices; five mobile libraries, an archive centre, the stock distribution and support function building at Quarrywood, the information service ‘Ask a Kent Librarian’ as well as the 24-hour accessible online service.
- Folkestone Library is part of Kent’s statutory library service.
- The temporary closure of the Grace Hill building in December 2022 was on the basis of health and safety grounds. The poor condition of the Grace Hill building has been exacerbated by the listed nature of its construction which has led to complexities to complete pro-active maintenance.
- The repairs needed to reopen Folkestone Library in the Grace Hill building are now estimated to cost in the region of £2.9 million. This figure was compiled by a KCC surveyor in April 2024.KCC remains under significant financial pressure.
- The building is listed as an Asset of Community Value (ACV) under the Localism Act 2011.
Since temporary closure, KCC has investigated various options in respect of the future of the library service within the Town. These investigations culminated in interim key decision 24/00116, which ruled out all options other than:
1) Sell or issue a long lease [for 2 Grace Hill] to another party and then lease back part of the building
2) Permanently leave the Grace Hill building and find an alternative town centre location for the library
Decision 24/00116 also authorised commencement of the ACV disposal process to allow open marketing to take place and for bids to be invited, for 2 Grace Hill.
The ACV moratorium period has now elapsed, and a period of 12 weeks of open marketing has also concluded.
The Council is now in possession of sufficient information for an informed decision to be taken on the permanent future of the library service in the Town.
Options (other options considered but discarded)
All options will be considered as part of the decision paper.
How the proposed decision supports the Council’s Strategic Statement
Confirming a permanent Folkestone town centre library location aligns with the Council’s adopted strategy by supporting visible community services and coastal regeneration priorities. It strengthens town centre vibrancy and access to education, which the plan highlights as key for tackling inequality.
The decision will meet the strategy’s “focus on value for money” through a robust financial appraisal, exploring cost efficiency and partner co-location opportunities.
Decision type: Key
Decision status: For Determination
Notice of proposed decision first published: 06/01/2026
Decision due: Not before 4th Feb 2026 by Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Reason: To allow 28 day notice period required under Executive Decision regulations
Lead member: Cabinet Member for Community and Regulatory Services
Lead director: Stephanie Holt-Castle
Department: Growth, Environment & Transport
Contact: James Pearson, Head of Libraries Registration and Archives Email: James.Pearson@kent.gov.uk.
Consultees
The proposed decision will be considered at the Growth, Economic Development and Communities Cabinet Committee on 15th January 2026
Financial implications: The £2.9 million estimated costs are simply to repair the building. In the consultation document, KCC explained that it did not believe spending £2.9m on repairing just one building is justifiable or responsible given the significant pressures on the property maintenance budget. Cost implications of various proposals will form part of the decision papers. The Best Value Duty is a statutory requirement for local authorities under Part 1 of the Local Government Act 1999. The financial context of the Council remains challenging, and any decision will be taken in light of both the capital and revenue financial position in determining the best value solution.
Legal implications: Dependent on the decision taken, KCC will need to engage suitably qualified legal support to assist with implementation of the decision. This will be arranged through KCC’s Office of General Counsel. Local authorities have a statutory duty under the Public Libraries and Museums Act 1964 ‘to provide a comprehensive and efficient library service’ for all those who live, work or study in the area. KCC has an overarching duty under s123 of the Local Government Act 1972 to obtain best financial consideration in the disposal of surplus property assets. For the purposes of the act, disposal includes the granting of leases in excess of 7yrs.
Equalities implications: Equalities implications An EqIA has been undertaken for this project which has been updated at each step and will be included with the decision paperwork. Data Protection implications A DPIA is not required for this decision.