The original mirrors were fabricated on site. Concrete was cast into carefully built wooden shuttering, hung on metal frames. The mirrors were sited for optimum "listening" out to sea and across the Channel, and were therefore often found on cliff tops or on promontories jutting out towards the sea. The site of the new English mirror was similarly selected to fit with both physical, technical and human considerations. The mirror will be located in Folkestone on a terrace overlooking the sea towards France. It will be placed below the coastal promenade in Folkestone’s Lower Leas Coastal Park, which provides an important recreational area in the town.

The mirror will be formed in reinforced concrete and prefabricated offsite. Sculpted steps, ramps and walls will allow the mirror to rise gracefully out of the landscape and the extensive, paved forecourt for listening will gradually slope towards the sea. The design and landscaping makes reference to known astronomical observatories, such as the ancient Jaipur observatory in India and today’s Joddrel Bank in the UK.

The project will create a perceptible visual link between two countries and a particular sense of place - in Folkestone, an affirmation of the area’s historical importance as the first defence against invaders, and its present role as a first point of contact outwards to European neighbours. The project has been granted planning permission and discussions are now underway with local authorities in France to find a mirror site on the other side of the Channel.