Thanet District Council is actively encouraging new and existing businesses which support growth in the local and visitor economy.
Public and private investment in regeneration has seen the arrival of HS1, improvements to the road infrastructure, development of Ramsgate’s Royal Harbour and marina, and the rebirth of Margate as an internationally acclaimed destination.
Regeneration is totally refreshing the visitor industry in Thanet and bringing benefits to the wider economy across the resorts and their villages.
High Speed 1 links Margate, Broadstairs and Ramsgate to St. Pancras International in 90, 85 and 75 minutes respectively, while other rail services link Thanet to London stations and mainland Europe (Eurostar) via Ashford International. Cross-Channel services are available from the Port of Dover and Eurotunnel, Folkestone.
There is increased interest in people moving to Thanet, to set up new homes here and as a way of improving their lifestyle
Thanet is attracting new investment in 21st century boutique hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés and outdoor leisure opportunities alongside new and relocating businesses.
The isle now has world class attractions such as Turner Contemporary. Relatively new attractions like Margate Caves, Dreamland and Ramsgate Tunnels, complement traditional favourites such as the Shell Grotto and the Spitfire and Hurricane Memorial Museum.
MARGATE
Turner Contemporary
The success of Turner Contemporary has highlighted the role the visitor economy can play in regenerating such areas as Margate Old Town – transforming vacant and derelict properties into independent shops, restaurants and galleries and attracting investment for new high-quality visitor accommodation. Since opening in 2011, the art gallery has exhibited the work of countless international artists, including Turner Prize nominees and winners Antony Gormley, Tracey Emin, Yinka Shonibare and Paula Rego, attracting over 3.6 million visits so far from all over the world.
In Autumn 2019 Turner Contemporary hosted the Turner Prize. One of the best-known prizes for the visual arts in the world, the Turner Prize aims to promote public debate around new developments in contemporary British art. The exhibition saw over 140,000 visits, making it the second most visited Turner Prize in the exhibition’s 35 year history
Margate Town Deal
Margate was one of 101 towns from across England that was selected by the Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) to benefit from a Town Deal through the Towns Fund.
On Friday 11th December 2020, a ten-year ‘Town Investment Plan' was submitted to the MHCLG which identifies £29m of investments that, if successful, will be transformative for Margate and act as a catalyst for future investment and regeneration.
It has been confirmed that Margate will receive £22.2m, which will be transformative for the town and act as a catalyst for future investment and regeneration. To find out more about the deal
RAMSGATE
Ramsgate Heritage Action Zone
In 2017, Historic England chose Ramsgate as one of the country’s first ten Heritage Action Zones. It was given this status as part of a scheme run in partnership with Thanet District Council, Ramsgate Coastal Community Team, Ramsgate Town Council and The Ramsgate Society. Being chosen as a Heritage Action Zone raises the awareness of Ramsgate as a heritage destination to attract visitors and investors.
In September 2020, Ramsgate received High Street Heritage Action Zone status. The scheme under development will seek to rescue and transform some of the historic buildings in Harbour Street, make improvements to the High Street and repurpose empty buildings for creative and community use. Read more on the scheme
The Ellington Park Regeneration Project, Ramsgate
The Ellington Park Regeneration Project, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will renovate the bandstand; restore the best features of the original 1893 Joseph Cheal landscape scheme; improve play facilities; and provide a much needed cafe and toilets. Further information can be found here
Ramsgate Future Highstreet Fund
On Saturday 26th December 2020, the Government announced Ramsgate as one of 72 areas across the country to be allocated funds from the £830 million Future High Streets Fund. The aim of the fund is to renew and reshape town centres and high streets, improving experience, driving growth and ensuring future economic sustainability. Further information can be found here
OTHER PROJECTS
Thanet Community Rail Partnership
In July 2020, the new Thanet Community Rail Partnership, covering all seven local stations, was one of five in Kent to receive a share of £400,000 from Southeastern. Turner Contemporary leads the project with Thanet District Council and Visit Thanet. The CRP will provide a voice for the community through art and creativity, helping to welcome tourists and encourage sustainable travel. It will also encourage local groups to animate railway stations and trains and promote the use of cycle networks.
Visit Kent Experiences
Thanet District Council is a partner in Visit Kent’s Interreg Experience Project, that aims to create 10 new, bookable experiences for the destination, which are available from October to March (and the rest of the year if possible). The themes of the experiences can include food and drink, culture, wellbeing, landscapes and events.
For more information on these projects and others in the area including the Levelling Up Bids head to our Press Regeneration page
Discover the many ways Thanet is changing and how Thanet District Council is leading the way to grow and regenerate the Isle’s economy making it a better place to visit, to work, to live and fit for the 21st century:
Read case studies of businesses that have invested in the area in the Invest in Thanet section
