‘By 2015, Margate will become a dynamic, thriving and successful town. It will be a major hub and driving force of creativity and culture that excites and inspires residents and visitors alike. It will embrace and celebrate its traditions as a place of relaxation, leisure and seaside fun.’
Over recent years Margate has started to change. This change was spearheaded by the Margate Renewal Partnership, a multi agency partnership involving Thanet District Council, Kent County Council, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA), the Arts Council England, the Government Office of the South East (GOSE), the Heritage Lottery Fund, English Partnerships and English Heritage. The Partnership secured over £35m, which it invested to kick-start the key development opportunities. The Partnership also invested heavily in the public realm and cultural activities as part of the campaign to change perceptions and raise the profile of Margate.
This investment is starting to pay dividends and Margate is showing signs of ‘turning the corner’ towards a more prosperous and exciting future. We have invested heavily through programmes such as SRB, ERDF and Neighbourhood Renewal in the area. There is a renewed interest in the area and growing confidence in Margate’s potential.
Despite severe levels of deprivation, the town has retained much of its old charm. It has a stunning beach and an unrivalled coastal shoreline. The Old Town – the centre of the original fishing community - comprises of a large concentration of high quality historic buildings. These natural assets, coupled with an embryonic creative sector, a large number of major development opportunities in and around the town centre, and the Turner Contemporary, all create the platform to place Margate firmly back on the map as a successful town by the sea and a thriving visitor destination.
The Implementation Plan drew on a range of strategies and studies and brings them together to provide a framework. It will take 10–15 years to deliver the overall vision but specific proposals and activities within the plan are the critical ingredients that will create the conditions to deliver the vision. The Programme’s projects were grouped around four core strands:
Unlocking the Potential
Bringing forward the development of key town-centre sites and buildings
Housing Renewal
Investing to improve stock and action to address over-crowding.
Cleaner, Safer, Greener
Reducing crime, building community cohesion and improving the environment.
Traffic Movement and Access
Improving vehicular and pedestrian circulation and increasing connectivity.
Find out more about the projects critical to delivering the vision statement in the
Back to: Margate Renewal Partnership introduction
