The Kent seaside town of Folkestone, long overshadowed by its neighbour Dover, has undergone a dramatic transformation from a post-industrial slump into a thriving hub for independent businesses and creative minds. This remarkable turnaround is largely credited to the vision and deep pockets of one local philanthropist.
The Visionary Behind the Revival
Sir Roger De Haan, 75, a business magnate who grew up in the town, decided to pour a personal fortune into rejuvenating his childhood home. After selling his parents' holiday firm, Saga, he embarked on a mission, investing an initial £100 million to reverse decades of decline. "When I grew up in Folkestone as a teenager, there was nothing to do. It was incredibly grim," Sir Roger told the Express in late 2025.
He described an emotional attachment to the area, having lived and worked there most of his life. When he began his project, he found a neglected town centre where many old buildings were empty or boarded up, a situation he bluntly labelled a "slum."
A Creative Quarter Blooms
The centrepiece of Folkestone's rebirth is its Creative Quarter, now home to around 80 independent traders. Sir Roger purchased approximately 90 derelict properties and granted a 125-year lease to his arts charity for a nominal "peppercorn rent." This unique model, he argues, ensures long-term sustainability by removing commercial landlord pressure.
"Because of this formula, it should still be successful in 100 years' time," he explained. The area has become a fashionable destination, attracting visitors from East Asia and Londoners seeking a permanent move to the coast for a calmer lifestyle.
Progress and Growing Pains
The transformation continues apace. In June, plans were approved for a contentious new harbour development featuring tower blocks with 1,000 homes and 10,000 square metres of commercial space. Artist impressions show sleek, modern apartments reminiscent of global waterfront destinations.
However, this rapid change has sparked mixed feelings. Some residents express concern about the town losing its character. Mike O'Donoughue, 67, who runs a shop in the Creative Quarter, worries Folkestone could become like "scary" Brighton and highlights issues like weekend parking.
Sir Roger is quick to reassure: "Folkestone has its own personality that's unique... We're not trying to turn it into some other place."
A significant consequence of regeneration has been rising costs. Average house prices in Folkestone now stand at £320,757, according to Rightmove data, notably above the UK average of £265,000. Mr O'Donoughue noted that some locals "feel like they're being ousted, slightly," as property values have soared.
Sir Roger acknowledges this challenge but argues that the housing stock needed investment. Meanwhile, long-term residents like Brian Frost, 64, observe a shift in the town's makeup, now dominated by cafés, nail bars, and betting shops, lamenting, "It's not what it was like when I was a kid."
The town's story is one of stark contrasts. As church organist Steve Smith, 69, observed, "There's money, and there's the millionaire's flats along the front. But then you can see just looking around the place that there's still huge poverty as well." The journey of this once "grim" seaside resort is far from over, balancing its new-found buzz with its community's soul.
