District Focus | 

Romney. The Kent Downs AONB Unit has recently produced an online guide, the ÒFarm Diversification ToolkitÓ. While aimed primarily at farms, its comprehensive guide to advice and funding is relevant to most rural businesses. 
Folkestone Creative Quarter 
In recent years Shepway has begun to reinvent itself. Central to ShepwayÕs redevelopment is the regeneration of Folkestone, with a string of developments promoting the historic town as a place to invest. These include Quarterhouse performing arts and business centre. Opened in March 2009, this modern purpose-built venue represents a milestone in ShepwayÕs regeneration plans. Housing an auditorium for up to 450 people and 17 business units, the Centre is available to hire for events, conferences and exhibitions. 
Quarterhouse is located at the heart of FolkestoneÕs Creative Quarter, development of which has been driven by the Creative Foundation - a charity launched in 2002 to regenerate Folkestone through the arts, creative industries and education. Other developments include: 

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University Centre Folkestone, a satellite campus of Canterbury Christ Church University and The University of Greenwich that specialises in arts and business. 

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A new Kent County Council Adult Learning Centre located in The Cube. 

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An improved retail quarter including independent retailers, cafŽs, bars and restaurants 

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Renovated studio, gallery and workshop space available for rent to artists and small businesses 


The emergence of the Creative Quarter has helped stimulate investment in adjoining areas. The new £30m, 200,000sq ft Bouverie Place shopping centre has attracted leading brands such as Asda, Next and New Look alongside many independent retailers. 
FolkestoneÕs creative focus also adds to the areaÕs visitor offer of sandy beaches, an award-winning Coastal Park and stunning views across the Channel from the White Cliffs. From December, High Speed 1 rail services will dramatically reduce journey times from London; the Kent coast will open up for business relocations, the visitor economy and commuters seeking an affordable base with a desirable quality of life and within touching distance of Europe. This will be a major opportunity for Shepway and a powerful driver of future regeneration.