Built as an Edwardian tearooms in 1902, this building is believed to be one of only about 3 such buildings remaining today. Farewell concerts were held during WW1 for the troops, who would march straight down the Road of Remembrance onto the ships waiting to take them to France.
It is owned by Churchgate who plan to build modern apartments around the site, using the Pavilion as a gym or other recreational facility. This would be a tragic loss to Folkestone of a Grade 2 listed building of considerable historical and architectural value.
Many celebrities have supported our campaign to save this building:
Sir Ian McKellen said, "I support the Friends of Leas Pavilion in their admirable efforts to preserve this essential asset at the centre of Folkestone's life. Its history is remarkable and I hope its future is secured."
Jo Brand said, "I am only too happy to offer my whole-hearted support to the incomparable Leas Pavilion-It is essential to protect this wonderful building and the history it represents."
Vic Reeves said, "I would happily add support to your Campaign. I have often stopped to admire the pavilion, as well as be disappointed by it's neglect and slow demise. It's too sad that buildings like this are not cherished and restored to their original glory."
Please sign now to help us garner as much support as possible as a message to both the owners and the Council that this is a beautiful building which should be admired and enjoyed for many years to come.
Our application to nominate the Pavillion as an 'Asset Of Community Value' has been turned down by The Council. Their main reason being as follows:
'Insufficient evidence to show that the land has previously been used for the purposes of furthering the social well-being or social interest of the local community in the 'recent' past based on the fact that the building has been closed for at least five years'. - Piran Cooper Landscape and Urban Design Officer.
However, we still intend to try and save this beautiful building from further neglect and to make it into something this town can be truly proud of once again. After all it was built in 1902 so had been a building of social interest for over 100 years prior to 2010.
