Uncertainty Grows as Work Halts on Folkestone’s Luxury Leas Pavilion Development

The future of a luxury seafront development in Folkestone remains uncertain as work on the controversial Leas Pavilion project has stalled for months, despite assurances from developers. The project, which aims to build 91 flats above the former tearoom and theatre on The Leas, has been the subject of rumours and speculation about its completion.…

Written by

David Wimble

Published on

October 10, 2024
News

The future of a luxury seafront development in Folkestone remains uncertain as work on the controversial Leas Pavilion project has stalled for months, despite assurances from developers. The project, which aims to build 91 flats above the former tearoom and theatre on The Leas, has been the subject of rumours and speculation about its completion.

Recent reports suggest that materials may have been removed from the site, sparking concerns about the project’s future. The crane, central to the construction site since work began two years ago, was rumoured to be removed, but developers Mylecke NV, which recently took over the project, denied this. However, they declined to provide further information, including when work would resume.

The Friends of the Leas Pavilion campaign group, which has long fought for the venue’s restoration, said it was “reassured” after speaking with the Mylecke team. They have been told that contracts related to final funding should be signed soon, with work expected to restart by the end of the year and a completion date projected for June 2026.

So far, only groundworks and two stair cores have been completed since the pavilion’s demolition in 2022. The project, approved in 2020, includes plans to restore the historic pavilion’s frontage and build a nine-storey block of flats around it. However, work has been repeatedly delayed, and concerns among locals are growing.

The luxury flats are set to feature sea views, with prices ranging from £325,000 for one-bedroom apartments to £3 million for penthouses. The renovated pavilion will serve as the entrance to the flats, with plans to use it as a lounge and storage space for residents, while also making it available for community use.

Last month, Gustavia, the Belgian firm that led the project since 2019, announced it was stepping down, raising further doubts. The company gave up its 50% stake in Leas Pavilion Development Ltd and its director, Olivier Daelemans, resigned. Gustavia’s departure leaves Mylecke NV as the sole representative in the project, though there has been no confirmation on whether Ant Yapi will continue as the main contractor.

At a recent Folkestone and Hythe District Council meeting, councillors expressed their disappointment about materials being removed from the site. Council leader Jim Martin described the situation as “not a good sign,” and Labour councillor Laura Davison asked for an update on the project’s impact on residents. Martin said the council had no further information but indicated that another developer might take over the lead on the project.

The Leas Pavilion has a rich history, having opened in 1902 as a tearoom for Edwardian aristocracy. Over the years, it housed a concert venue, theatre, and nightclub before falling into disrepair in 2010. Attempts to redevelop the site date back to 2015, but previous projects have failed to get off the ground.

Local residents and councillors are growing increasingly frustrated with the lack of progress, and while there is cautious optimism that work will resume, many questions about the project’s future remain unanswered.