🎓 Folkestone College – Two Commercial Kitchens for a State-of-the-Art Educational Facility

Delivering High-Performance Kitchens for One of Kent’s Leading Colleges

🏗 Project Overview: From Concept to Completion

Folkestone College, part of the EKC Group, plays a key role in vocational training across Kent. In 2021, the college launched an ambitious new-build project, creating a next-generation campus to support student growth and industry-focused learning.

As part of this development, Kent Commercial Kitchens was contracted to design and deliver two full commercial kitchens, built specifically for hospitality training and student development.

Working closely with main contractor WW Martin and the EKC project team, we ensured every element—from kitchen ventilation systems to sustainable material choices—met exacting standards while staying within budget.

🎯 Project Brief: Innovative, Sustainable & Cost-Efficient Kitchens

The college’s vision included:

• Two high-spec teaching kitchens integrated into a new academic facility

• Fully compliant extraction, grease management, and air quality systems

• Energy-efficient catering equipment to reduce operational costs

• Hygienic surfaces and safe flooring for a durable, student-friendly environment

• A well-equipped student servery area for day-to-day use

🛠 Our Approach: Innovation, Cost Control & Sustainability

1. Smart Kitchen Design & Equipment

We combined new, high-performance appliances with select re-used items to keep costs controlled without compromising functionality. Carefully chosen brands delivered:

• Efficient cooking, refrigeration, and warewashing

• Reliable performance for high-usage environments

• Equipment tailored to an educational setting

2. Extraction Systems with Tempered Air

A standout feature was the custom extraction system, which incorporated:

• Tempered air intakes linked to the central heating system

• Enhanced airflow and energy efficiency

• Full compliance with modern building ventilation regulations

3. Hygienic Finishes for Daily Use

To ensure long-term hygiene and safety, we installed:

• Bioclad UPVC wall cladding – seamless, wipe-clean surfaces

• Altro non-slip commercial flooring – providing safety in busy kitchens

4. User-Friendly Student Servery

We created a practical servery area designed to:

• Support high footfall

• Ensure ease of access for both students and staff

• Maintain high levels of hygiene and durability

✅ The Result: Two Fully Operational, Future-Proof Kitchens

Despite a tight 16-week schedule and a complex project scope, both kitchens were delivered:

• On time

• Within budget

• Fully integrated with the building’s infrastructure

• Aligned with the college’s sustainability goals

“Folkestone College’s kitchens were demanding, but we delivered both spaces on time and within budget, meeting the college’s sustainability goals and helping them provide an excellent learning environment for their students.”

📞 Call us today on 01304 249963 to start your commercial kitchen design project.

📸 Scroll down for photos of the finished Folkestone College installation.