Thanet District Council is looking for a specialist performance, leisure and events business to help regenerate Margate’s iconic Winter Gardens site.
The doors of the 51,000 sq ft Grade II-listed seafront venue were temporarily closed in August 2022 and the council hopes to restore the heritage site to its former glory as part of its £22.2m Margate Town Deal programme.
The venue sits in two acres of grounds and includes two performance spaces – the main hall, which has capacity for 2,150 people, and the Queen’s Hall, which has capacity for 600 people.
Paul Bugeja from Colliers licensed and leisure team, which has been appointed by the council to find a partner for the venue, said: “The council is seeking a partner which can honour the history of this venue, while also bringing it up to date and making it inviting to residents as well as visitors to Margate.
“We have seen how exciting regeneration plans for landmark buildings such as the Eastbourne Winter Gardens and De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill have revitalised coastal towns. We’re looking to secure a partnership which has a vision to reignite the entertainment offering in Margate and deliver on the expectations of the local community.”
Councillor Rick Everitt, leader of Thanet District Council, added: “We recognise how important this project is to local residents. I am optimistic that this partnership will lead to Thanet District Council realising its ambition to create a reinvigorated cultural and heritage landmark that will enrich the community and attract visitors for years to come.”
