In places where the arts have successfully been used to drive regeneration, Islington perhaps being the prime example, artists and creative businesses are frequently priced out of the market as the area booms and prices rise. We are determined to prevent this happening in Folkestone, where we are pioneering what we think is a unique approach to creative regeneration, writes Nick Ewbank.
Once an elegant Edwardian resort, Folkestone has experienced several decades of serious economic decline. The contraction of the local tourism and fishing industries and the termination of the ferry service to France have fundamentally undermined the basis of the town?s prosperity. East and Central Folkestone especially suffer from multiple social problems.
But there?s lots of potential here. From 2007 the planned high-speed rail service will cut commuting time to London to 48 minutes; and Paris will be just 2 hours away. There?s the seafront, some great architecture ? and a phenomenal sunshine record! Increasingly, we have a solid base of high quality, creative organisations such as the Metropole Galleries; Strange Cargo Arts; Screen South ? the regional screen agency; the Sound Lounge (a club for music lovers set up by members of Morcheeba); and the Folkestone Literary Festival.
One of our most significant assets is a network of creative people with the vision and energy to drive a renaissance for Folkestone. A new charitable company has been formed, The Creative Foundation, a joint venture between Shepway District Council, the Metropole Galleries, Gina Fegan, Chief Executive of Screen South, and Roger De Haan, Chairman of Saga Group. Saga, with 2,300 employees in the town, is Folkestone?s main employer, and this major national company is passionate in its commitment to build a thriving community in which to be based.
Working in partnership with other key agencies and in close consultation with local people, The Creative Foundation is championing the arts and creative industries as a catalyst for regeneration, especially in the central ?Old Town?. This rundown area in the heart of Folkestone is close to the picturesque harbour and sandy beach and has a large number of available, affordable properties. We have set about acquiring a critical mass of properties, renovating them and letting them to artists and other creative businesses at long-term affordable prices ? both as studio/office accommodation and as living spaces. In cases where purchase is not possible, we are negotiating long-term discounts off market rent.
It is essential to offer long-term provision in order to head off any risk of profiteering by landlords and others once regeneration is established. And we believe that by nurturing this ?Creative Quarter? we will attract people to live, work and visit, creating a dramatically improved environment with homes, studios, shops and cafes, and providing a long-term sustainable future for the town.
We have already acquired fourteen properties, which are being refurbished to differing standards according to planned usage, and we plan to gain control of many more. There has been huge interest from the many artists already living and working in the area as well as from creative businesses such as web design firms, specialist record shops and independent fashion outlets. The Foundation aims to take a flexible and holistic approach to encourage a mix of businesses. We will be making available some bursaries or rent-free periods, offering discounted rent in return for teaching or labour, and providing a business advisory service for artists, in partnership with Business Link Kent.
We believe that, if successful, our approach will provide a model of sustainable arts-led regeneration, which it may be possible to apply elsewhere. Watch this space ? or come and see what you might be missing.
Nick Ewbank, Creative Director and Trustee of The Creative Foundation.
t: 01303 244706 e: nick.ewbank@btclick.com; http://www.metropole.org.uk; http://www.creativefoundation.org.uk