Folca 2 is a key regeneration project located in the heart of Folkestone town centre, involving the refurbishment and repurposing of the former Debenhams building at 48–66 Sandgate Road.
The scheme will transform the existing Art Deco building into a mixed-use development, providing retail, hospitality and community uses at basement and ground floor level, alongside a new medical centre on the first and second floors. The project forms part of Folkestone & Hythe District Council’s wider strategy to revitalise the high street, increase footfall and deliver modern healthcare facilities in a central, accessible location.
To support delivery and manage the complexity of the refurbishment works, the project has been split into two phases. Phase 1 focuses on strip-out, enabling works and internal alterations to prepare the building for redevelopment. Phase 2 will deliver the main refurbishment works and fit-out, creating the new commercial spaces and medical centre.
Key Features:
- Refurbishment and regeneration of a landmark Art Deco department store
- Creation of a town-centre medical facility, improving access to healthcare services
- Retail, hospitality and community uses designed to support the local economy and increase town centre activity
- Retention and enhancement of the central staircase and atrium, with new rooflights to improve natural daylight within the deep floorplate
- Flexible commercial spaces designed to respond to evolving town centre demand
The project incorporates a number of sustainability and decarbonisation measures aimed at improving the performance of the existing building while supporting the Council’s environmental ambitions.
Key sustainability features include Air source heat pumps, Solar photovoltaic panels, Upgraded roof insulation and improved building fabric, Heat recovery systems and enhanced building management controls.
The scheme aims to achieve EPC A and target BREEAM “Very Good” for the medical centre element, helping significantly reduce operational carbon emissions.
Modus has been appointed as Employer’s Agent, Quantity Surveyor and Project Manager, providing integrated commercial and project leadership from RIBA Stage 2 through to completion.
Our role includes cost planning, procurement of the Design & Build contractor, project and programme management, and fulfilling Employer’s Agent duties throughout construction. We are also supporting the coordination of key stakeholders including the Council, healthcare partners and the wider project team.
Through early involvement and clear commercial oversight, Modus is helping deliver a complex regeneration scheme that balances heritage refurbishment, healthcare provision and town centre revitalisation.
