🏢 Developers reveal Shoreline sales update

Plus: Three suspects charged over alleged aggravated burglary, and long-serving landlady set to step down

More than three-quarters of the 56 apartments marketed for sale at the exclusive Shoreline development on Folkestone seafront have now been snapped up, the Folkestone Harbour & Seafront Development Company has revealed.

The high-end residences have been at the centre of a long-running local debate over affordability and sluggish sales, but according to the developers—who are responsible for the wider regeneration of the town’s coastline—there is now “a very active market” for the sea-view flats. Just 13 apartments remain available to purchase, with one-bedroom properties available from £375,000.

Credit for the uptick in sales activity is being given to agents Laing Bennett, whose team has supported the development—which consists of a total of 84 properties—since 2024 before taking over full responsibility for sales at the start of 2026.

Developers say more than three-quarters of apartments at Shoreline have sold

“It’s incredibly rewarding to see Shoreline becoming a thriving community,” a spokesman for the FHSDC said. “We are welcoming buyers from across the south east, but what is particularly encouraging is the number of people from Folkestone and the surrounding area who have chosen to make Shoreline their home. They are recognising the opportunity to enjoy contemporary coastal living while remaining part of the town they know and love.

“With just 23% of apartments now remaining, we’re entering the final phase of apartment sales. It’s an exciting milestone that reflects the confidence people have in both Shoreline and Folkestone’s future.”

While the developers have been willing to provide an update on the progress of apartment sales, they remain tight-lipped about the more expensive penthouses and beach houses. The Dispatch asked for an update on these sales, but we were told none could be provided. One two-bedroom penthouse is currently listed for sale with a guide price of £1,995,000.

In July last year, a senior figure at FHSDC—who no longer works for the company—told The Times that “the challenge is selling Folkestone” and said: “The building is brilliant and the location is incredible. It is getting people here.” Many locals might be quick to counter that the real challenge is selling properties priced way beyond the means of the average earner in a town still home to many areas of genuine deprivation.

Commenting on the latest sales figures, Bill Laing-Bennett, co-founder and sales director of Laing Bennett, said: “We are proud to be helping people find a home at Shoreline. The response has been extremely positive—it’s clear the combination of exceptional design, a unique seafront location and Folkestone’s continuing renaissance is resonating with people looking for something special.

“While the wider property market has faced its challenges, high-quality developments in outstanding locations continue to perform well. Shoreline offers a compelling opportunity for buyers looking for a high-quality home in a truly unique beachfront location.”

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News in brief

⚖️ Three suspects have been charged following an alleged attempted aggravated burglary in Folkestone town centre and the discovery of suspected crack cocaine and heroin. At around 5pm on July 17 it was reported that a group of men, one armed with a weapon, had attempted to force entry to a residential property. Following a subsequent media appeal, which included CCTV images of three suspects, information received from members of the public enabled detectives to identify three people of interest. They were located at a property in Dover on August 18 and were arrested before being charged the next day. The men are Zimbabwean nationals Dylan Tawanyasha Malikebo, 18, and Jayden Petros, 20, both of Dover Road in Folkestone, and Gambian national Sulayman Jammeh, 25, from Margate. Between them, the three men have been charged with multiple offences including conspiracy to commit aggravated burglary, possession with intent to supply Class A drugs and possession of an offensive weapon. They appeared before Margate Magistrates’ Court on last week and are due to appear before Canterbury Crown Court on September 21.

💰 More than £300 has been raised for South Kent Mind as part of our 2026 fundraiser in support of our charity of the year. In October a three-strong Dispatch team will be taking part in a fire walk at Sea Scrub Sauna, and we would be delighted if you would consider donating for this very worthy cause. You can find our fundraising page here. Thank you to everyone who has given so far, your support is greatly appreciated.

🍺 A long-serving local landlady has called time on close to four decades behind the bar at the The Royal Cheriton. KentOnline reports that Elaine Jenkins is stepping down and will hand over the keys to the Cheriton Road pub to new landlords at the end of the month. “I’m going to miss it, I really will,” the 69-year-old told KentOnline. “It’s a mix of sadness, trepidation and relief.”

🖥️ Folkestone Leas Lift Company is seeking to appoint a new permanent chief executive to lead it through what it describes as “the next chapter of its history”. The charity, which is overseeing the ongoing restoration of the Grade II-listed funicular railway, is currently headed by interim CEO Jo Streeter. A spokesman said: “As our major restoration progresses and preparations for reopening continue, we’re seeking an ambitious, strategic and commercially minded leader to take the organisation from restoration into long-term operation as a sustainable and successful visitor destination.” The full-time role is being advertised with a salary of £65,000 and applications close on Friday, September 4. The new chief executive will take the reins at a critical moment in the restoration of the Leas Lift, following the announcement earlier this month that its long-awaited reopening has been pushed back by a year.

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Sorry that this Dispatch has reached you slightly later than usual, sometimes it is unavoidable when we have to wait for responses to our questions. Next week’s main newsletter will—all things being well—be in your inboxes at the usual time next Wednesday, and On The Town will be out on Monday. Enjoy the rest of your week!

All the best, Rhys

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