Vibrant towns
While Thanet’s rural hinterland and villages would benefit from a stronger visitor economy, the opportunity for growth was in the three towns, where increased visitor spend could revitalise high streets. To achieve this, planning and support would be necessary, particularly in extending activities into the evenings, and capitalising on the growing food/drink sector to encourage longer stays and higher spend.
Enhanced town activity and animation—ranging from retail and studio spaces to pop-up events, street markets, and changing opening hours—should be led by businesses and the 3rd sector, in collaboration with community groups and town councils. Thanet District Council secured government funding via the Towns Fund for Ramsgate’s High Street Heritage Action Zone and the Future High Street Fund. Margate, as a Town Deal place, was developing its proposition. The goal for Ramsgate and Margate was to support visitor economy growth, diversify town offerings, and positively respond to changing retail patterns, making town centres more attractive.
A lack of visitor accommodation volume and choice limits higher-value tourism and the ability to secure large events. A proactive, targeted campaign—Thanet District Council working with Visit Kent and Locate in Kent—was needed to deliver more retail and visitor accommodation, especially in town centres.
Since the Framework was written, additional funding has been secured, which includes the Town Investment Plan for Margate and the Neighbourhood Programme.
Short to medium-term actions
Town animation
What
Bringing together community organisations/representatives to consider how each town can enliven their offer for visitors with a particular focus on the transition period from day to evening and the shoulder periods of spring and autumn
When
2020
Who
Thanet District Council and community organisations
What
Each town to identify the actions relevant to its own area but this may include: public realm, events, lighting, decoration, planing, re-purposing vacant premises, markets, pop-up restaurants and galleries. Where grant funding is being sought or secured, actions should align with those funding objectives e.g. developing mixed uses in Margate town centre under the Town Deal proposals and improving facades in Ramsgate under the High Street Heritage Action Zone.
When
2021 – 23
Who
Community organisations with Town Councils and Businesses
New and improved accommodation
What
Encourage the upgrading of existing B&Bs, to improve the quality of existing bedstock. Promote and highlight all improvements and investments to the trade, media and prospective vistiors on social media, to show how the quality if improving.
When
Ongoing
Who
Tourism Team (Thanet District Council)
What
Support the development of new serviced accommodation to include midrange hotels, lodge and camping pods and high-quality independent B&Bs.
When
Ongoing
Who
Thanet District Council and Locate in Kent
What
Promote sites with potential and support developers at pre-planning stage (from the Tourism Team) to develop concepts that meet local needs.
When
Ongoing
Who
Thanet District Council and Locate in Kent
