Re-development works at Folkestone Harbour Square have been completed in preparation for the 2011 Folkestone Triennial which is now open until September 2011. The scheme sees another piece of Folkestone Harbour’s regeneration completed, transforming the former underused market area into a water feature and a focal point for the local area.
GHA was commissioned as lead designers, working with Mark Hanton Studio Landscape Architects and The Fountain Workshop by Folkestone Harbour Company. Our brief was to rejuvenate this piece of land creating an interactive and playful feature for visitors to the Folkestone Triennial and local residents alike.
The square forms a social centre where the adjacent Creative Quarter and Folkestone Town Centre meets Folkestone Harbour. The addition of the fountains has complimented the surrounding area which includes a number of public houses and market stalls selling fresh fish and seasonal produce. The fountains also form the to a key part of Folkestone’s harbour which includes the historic viaduct which extends across the harbour and the recently completed Rocksalt Restaurant (also by Guy Hollaway Architects) and new Smokehouse fish and chip restaurant.
Since the fountains have been completed the square has injected a new lease of vitality back into the area, proving to be a popular destination in recent warmer weather, which in turn has increased the number of people visiting the harbour and Folkestone Triennial assisting businesses within the harbour.
The square features many carefully considered elements; a radial formation of water jets extends from the centre of the square which is emphasised by the circular pattern of stone sets, positioning of jets has been carefully considered to allow for pedestrian flow through without getting wet allowing the feature to be enjoyed by all. Additionally subtle level changes across the square create a stepped area to one area allowing of informal use as a stage with seating surrounding its edges.
The square also includes less powerful water jets creating a children’s fountain area adjacent to the main jets. The fountains use unique articulating water jets which rotate from a vertical position to create arches of water reaching a height of three meters which can be passed through.
The completed scheme presents a fun and playful space which has proved to be a popular destination.
