Bobby’s department store opened on Sandgate Road in Folkestone in 1931, and became a Debenham’s in 1972.
After winning an open design competition in September 2023, we’re excited to be exploring new uses for this Art Deco landmark.
'Ewan Green, Director of Place at Folkestone and Hythe District Council, said CarverHaggard and its team brought ‘a wide breadth of skills and experience and demonstrated their understanding of the brief and evolving requirements of the project exceptionally well’. Green added: ‘Their experience of working successfully on similar projects, with a focus on ensuring flexibility throughout the building design, will be key to the success of this project.'
Architect’s Journal, 27th September 2023.
The site was acquired by Folkestone and Hythe District Council to support the regeneration of the town centre, and was renamed “Folca” after a public competition in 2020. This project is part of Folkestone’s Levelling Up project based on priority projects from the Place Plan prepared by We Made That.
Our team includes REDO, PRD, Stockdale, Max Fordham, and Price & Myers.