Folkestone’s abandoned space above Petticoat Emporium becomes The Loft

Transformation of Abandoned Site into Event Venue

A high street site abandoned for fifty years has been transformed into an event venue intended to revitalize the town center. The Loft, located on an upper floor of Folkestone’s Petticoat Emporium, was created by Cairo Woodward. He said the idea emerged after becoming a father, an experience that “re-evolved his life.”

The Loft is situated above a unit previously occupied by Marks & Spencer and more recently Wilko. The space was taken on in July as a photography studio. Within five months, it evolved into a multi-use venue hosting yoga sessions, cinema evenings, and creative events.

The project has been entirely self-funded by Mr. Woodward and his cousin, Nathan Joyce, whom he describes as the “business head” behind the venture. Described as a “community bunker,” the venue reflects Mr. Woodward’s determination to prevent another building from falling into disuse in the town where he has spent most of his life.

Community Impact and Future Plans

“There are so many empty shops – it would break my heart for another abandoned building to be knocked down,” he said. Since the birth of his 17-month-old son, Mr. Woodward said his priorities have shifted dramatically. He hopes The Loft will bring his creative interests together while helping him build a more secure future for his family.

When he first viewed the space last summer, he described it as a “big, empty, dusty space.” At that time, he was balancing a career as a singer with photography and modeling work. He wanted to turn the derelict floor into something purposeful.

“The Loft has three pillars – wellness, photography, and events, which are the things I do,” the former Harvey Grammar School pupil said. “This is essentially an extension of myself and is also so important as we’re moving into a creator-fueled, visual world.”

Describing how the modest studio quickly outgrew its original remit, he said: “Word of mouth caught fire.” Today, the Sandgate Road venue hosts morning yoga classes, film nights, music performances, and creative workshops.

“Where do people go as a community together nowadays?” Mr. Woodward pondered. “Humanity is about community, that’s how we evolve, that’s how we get our sense of love.”

Challenges and Upcoming Events

Running the venue without external funding has placed pressure on its founders. Mr. Woodward said he has expansion plans but acknowledged the financial limitations. “We’re at the limits of what we’re able to do,” he said. “Each one of our events takes two or three people to run – it’s just me doing everything at the moment. I don’t want to let this place go.”

The Loft opened a month after Petticoat Emporium first welcomed customers in June. Despite the strain, The Loft is hosting several events in the near future, including a wellness program called ‘Ritual’ starting on January 12. Another concept, dubbed “Aeroplane Mode,” is also in development, where the space will transform into a bar and seating area, with visitors switching off their phones at the door.

The staircase to The Loft can be found inside the Petticoat Emporium in Folkestone, Kent’s largest indoor market. The building was most recently occupied by Wilko, which collapsed in 2023, while Marks & Spencer traded from the site for 76 years before closing in 2006.