New promotional campaign revealed at former Debenhams site as part of town centre regeneration plans

The first panels of a 34-window campaign to promote Folkestone have been revealed on the windows of the former Debenhams store at 48-66 Sandgate Road, Folkestone.

The vinyl ‘window wraps’ showcase a selection of the district’s landmark places to visit, its history and heritage and feature prominent local businesses. The display also features a map to key locations in the town.

Folkestone & Hythe District Council completed the purchase of the former Debenhams store site earlier this month.  The new campaign is the result of a collaboration between local businesses, led by Folkestone Independent Regeneration Retail Group (FIRRG) under the myfolkestone.co.uk brand.

Cllr David Monk, Leader of Folkestone & Hythe District Council said, “We are committed to Folkestone’s continued regeneration and our recent purchase of this building underlines this. We consider the site to be central to the town centre’s future and that’s why we completed on the acquisition of this site in spite of a global pandemic.

“The empty window space is an opportunity to improve the aesthetic of the town centre while plans are developed.

“Some of our local traders have been able to operate safely during lockdown and as more shops starting reopening in the coming weeks, encouraging people to use the town centre is more important now than ever.

“We are working with local organisations, businesses and individuals on a range of measures to improve the whole town centre experience and will build confidence in using the town centre as lockdown measures ease.”