Coastal Park
The local need
In Victorian times Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park was one of the highlights of the south coast with walkways and promenades leading down to the sea. Over the years it had become neglected and overgrown so that local people and visitors rarely went there.
The vision
As part of Shepway District Council’s regeneration plans for the area they wanted to restore the park to its former glory as a popular place for local residents and visitors. This would maximize the site’s unique location along a mile long stretch of undercliff. And to preserve and enhance the unique character of the park with its intricate path network, benign microclimate and stunning sea views – while introducing a contemporary design approach.
The challenge
The challenge was how a cash strapped district council could achieve this ambitious facelift which was estimated at £1.4 million. They aimed to create a park that would be a real focus for visitors and families, encouraging people who would not normally visit such a park to get involved. They also wanted to preserve the unique environment and heritage of the area, balancing the historic and contemporary.
The results
Shepway successfully applied for grants including from the Heritage Lottery, SEEDA and the EU.
With careful work an area of scrub and tarmac was transformed into five acres of formal and semi-formal gardens, spring and summer meadows, new walkways, terraces and a tree-lined boulevard all leading down to the sea
An earlier phase of work created a wild zone and the largest free children’s adventure play area in the south east.
Richness and interest was added by careful design to create a sequence of areas, each with its own special character. The big challenge has been balancing contrasts - between the historic and the contemporary, the natural and the designed, the need for rest and the need for activity.
One of the key elements of the new design is an outdoor amphitheatre which hosts a busy schedule of events
The semi-formal gardens, are planted with a mix of sea tolerant species, while the Mediterranean Bank that has been planted with exotic shrubs and small trees, including Figs and Olives to evoke a sensual Mediterranean feel.
The coastal park is now very popular among all sections of the community and is a source of pride in the area.
Shepway District Council has applied for Green Flag status for the Lower Leas Coastal Park and is awaiting a decision.
Where next?
For the future, architects, Foster and Partners, have prepared a
masterplan for the redevelopment of Folkestone harbour and
seafront. This will create a new boardwalk promenade that will
extend the existing Lower Leas Coastal Park right through to
East Cliff. In addition the site will include an expanded
university campus, and there are plans also to include a marina
and a range of outdoor leisure amenities, including an ice rink,
jogging track, water sports centre and skateboard park.