More details have been revealed for the proposed restoration of Folkestone's dilapidated Leas Pavilion and a luxury apartment block set to be built around it.

They were presented at a public consultation held by developer Kantion and architects Hollaway - who plan to rescue the neglected building which has fallen into disrepair despite a campaign to protect it.

The new eye-catching proposals include installing a nine-storey block with 90 flats and 42 semi-underground car spaces on the land surrounding the pavilion.

This will incorporate the two car parks in Cheriton Place and Longford Terrace, while a section of the new development will ‘bridge’ the sunken pavilion.

If approved, the glass-fronted new-build will be mostly white in colour but with an orange foundation to match the terracotta tiles belonging to the pavilion, which was first built in 1902.

It will have a mix of one, two and three bed apartments, each with a balcony.

The three top floors will be tiered, creating a step-like effect.

The parking level will be “partially sunk into the ground” and will be accessed from Longford Terrace and Longford Way.

The development will also see the pavilion, a former tearoom and theatre, brought back to life to resemble its original design after years of neglect.

This will include re-installing columns that were part of the original blueprints but removed to accommodate its time as a cinema and theatre.

All 90 flats will be accessed through the entrance of the pavilion, from the steps leading down from The Leas and residents will be able to use the hall as a lounge and meeting area.

The designers say this will ensure the Grade II listed building is used everyday, with concierge expected to be positioned at the front.

Part of the pavilion - which formerly housed the bowling alley and snooker hall - will also be used by residents for storage, including that of bikes.

The main hall will also be an adaptable space for the residents of Folkestone to use - this could include hosting a variety of events, such as musical performances, community clubs, plays or stand up.

The upper galleries will hold a permanent display of the Leas Pavilion archive, telling the story and history of the site.

The £4m restoration project for the pavilion will be possible from the cash made from the apartments.

It is hoped, once the flats are built, the new homeowners will take on responsibility for the pavilion, ensuring it receives the right care and management.

The proposal for the scheme reads: “The combination of community events and daily residential use will ensure the pavilion is used, maintained and preserved for years to come.”

The 'sustainable' project will also include points for electric car charging, two electric vehicles available for rental by residents, retention of rainwater through green roofs and oversized balconies to provide solar shading.

More than 130 people attended the consultation, which received a mixed reaction.

But the day also resurrected memories for some residents who had attended the pavilion in its heyday.

Dora Alker, of The Bayle, said she visited the pavilion - then a theatre - weekly when she was growing up.

She said: “I was taken there as a child by my mother in the 1940s and continued going to the theatre as often as I could until the 60s.

“There would be a play or musical on. They really were of very high standards.

“It is a tragedy it has fallen into such a state. I can’t understand it because it is Grade II listed.

“The plans sound very promising. We need to be realistic and it has to make financial sense. So a combination of the two sounds good.

“It is such a wonderful position, visitors and residents will benefit from it being restored.”

Conservation architect Roger Joyce, who has previously worked with Guy Hollaway, described the new flats as ‘elegant’.

He said: “The previous scheme (proposed by Churchgate) wasn’t very attractive.

"What Hollaway have produced is elegant work and the great outcome is that we get the pavilion restored.”

Sandra Brown, member of The Friends of the Leas Pavilion, used to visit the historic building after finishing classes at Folkestone Art School.

She said: “My dad did the lighting and sound for the productions. After class I would go around and sit with the actors and wait until dad was finished and then hitch a ride home.

“It is heartbreaking seeing it now. It was lovely and it is so sad its been allowed to get to this state.”

Of the new scheme, she said: “I think it is superb they’re able to utilise it, rather than just abandoning it.

"I like the look of it. It’s very smart. It will be an asset to Folkestone.”

Sally Chesters, from Hythe, said it was a “great relief” that the site will be restored: “It looks good quality too which is important.”

Jan McNeill, from Cheriton, had some concerns, adding: “We want to see the pavilion restored.

“I am concerned the residents later down the line might complain about the noise and restrict access to the pavilion.

“They say it will be sound-proof but being a realist I worry.

“I also think it is much too big; I feel it will swamp the pavilion.

“My other concern is parking. There are 90 flats and 42 spaces which is not enough. I can’t imagine not many people won’t have a car.”

Les Frost, who lives in Whiteciffs along The Leas - next to the pavilion - was also dubious over the plans.

He said: “It will cut out our light and we’ll practically be looking into the apartments next door. It will be very close.

“It also gets very windy on the front and I’m worried a wind tunnel will be created between the two buildings.”

And Liz Hitchon, from Folkestone, said: “There’s what we would like, and then what is possible. The reality is we either have the pavilion refurbished and the flats enable that. Or we don’t have the pavilion and still get flats.”

Harry Potter actress Miriam Margolyes, who was one of the first to reveal that changes were coming for the pavilion, also spoke out about the plans.

She said: “I’m utterly thrilled to hear the Leas Pavilion will live again and provide beauty for the eye and live entertainment as it did in my childhood. It’s one of the many glories of Folkestone. Bless it and all who made this happen.”

The site is still currently owned by firm Churchgate, who took it over in 2007 but will be bought by Kantion subject to planning approval.

A planning application for the development is expected to be submitted in the coming weeks.

Comment on the plans here.

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