From Bus Stops to Botanicals: Council’s Bold Park Plan

Application Number 24-1650-FH: Bus Station, Bouverie Square, Folkestone. To be heard by planning committee tomorrow: 18 March

Folkestone & Hythe District Council have a bold plan for Bouverie Square Bus Station in Folkestone to become a park. It will, if planning permission is granted, tomorrow, undergo a dramatic makeover, swapping diesel fumes for daffodils. The proposal? Transform this utilitarian transit hub into an outdoor park complete with granite paving, seating areas, soft landscaping, and a playground (though the playground details are as mysterious as the contents of a locked treasure chest). The goal is to create a “green heart” for the town, inspired by Folkestone’s geology. But not everyone is ready to hop on this eco-friendly bandwagon. Let’s dig into the dirt—literally and figuratively.

The bus station we are in formed will go from a concrete jungle to green oasis. It will be replaced with a park featuring all the bells and whistles: granite paths, lush greenery, benches for lounging, and a playground (will it have a slide? A climbing wall? A ball pit? The world may never know). Buses will be rerouted to Middelburg Square and Shellons Street, complete with new stops and shelters. This is part of a broader highways improvement scheme that’s been in the works for nearly four years.

The plan boasts a jaw-dropping 3600% increase in biodiversity. Sounds impressive, right? Well, it’s based on a baseline of 0.02 habitat units, which is essentially a concrete slab with two lonely planter beds. It’s like bragging about a 3600% raise when you started with a penny. Still, progress is progress!

While the idea of a new park is lovely, not everyone is ready to frolic in the flowers. Here are the main concerns:

1. Accessibility Woes: Middelburg Square, where the new bus stops will be located, has a 4% gradient. For the elderly, people with mobility issues, or parents pushing prams, this could feel like climbing Mount Everest just to catch the number 12 bus. The council might want to consider installing escalators—or at least handing out sherpas.
2. Anti-Social Behavior Fears: Some residents worry the park could become a magnet for mischief, like late-night drinking or other unsavory activities. While the design includes CCTV and lighting, the concern is understandable. After all, no one wants their peaceful picnic interrupted by a rowdy game of “who can climb the tree fastest after three pints.”
3. Winter Wasteland Worries: Critics argue the park might be a ghost town in winter. Let’s face it—parks in colder climates often struggle to attract visitors unless they’re offering free hot chocolate or polar bear sightings.
4. Pedestrian Safety: The new bus stops could pose a safety risk, with pedestrians potentially stepping into the road to check for approaching buses. In bad weather, this could turn into a game of “dodge the double-decker.”
5. Consultation Controversy: Some residents feel the consultation process was less “open dialogue” and more “leading questions designed to get a ‘yes.'” Transparency is key, folks—otherwise, it’s like asking, “Do you want a park or a pile of rocks?”

The road near Middelburg Square is described as a “wind tunnel,” which could make waiting for buses feel like an extreme sport. Maybe the council should issue parkas along with bus passes. And then there’s the playground. Will it be a state-of-the-art wonderland or a single rusty swing squeaking in a hurricane? The lack of details is leaving everyone on the edge of their seats—or benches, as it were. Oh, and let’s not forget the potential bomb shelter under the former toilet block. If discovered, it could become Folkestone’s quirkiest tourist attraction: “Step right up to see the historic bus station loo bunker!”

Despite the concerns, the park could be a game-changer for Folkestone. It would replace a drab bus station with a vibrant green space, potentially becoming a hub for events and daily use. The proposal aligns with the council’s goals of improving pedestrian and cyclist access, promoting active travel, and enhancing the town’s public realm.  

The Bouverie Square park proposal has its merits, but the concerns about accessibility, safety, and anti-social behavior can’t be brushed aside like fallen leaves. If the council can address these issues, the park could become a beloved community space. If not, it risks being a well-intentioned flop—a place where the only visitors are the occasional pigeon and a very confused squirrel.

And hey, if they find that bomb shelter, it could be the park’s pièce de résistance. Who needs a Ferris wheel when you’ve got a historic loo bunker? Folkestone, get ready for your close-up!

You can watch the committee in action by attending the Civic Centre tomorrow. It starts at 7pm. Or you watch it on the Council’s webcast

The Shepway Vox Team

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