Coastline focus
There was a need to re-examine our coastline to deliver improved experiences and enhanced facilities at key sites, responding to the growing visitor interest in wellbeing and outdoor activities.
Thanet District Council needed to look at assets differently in order to generate income from them. The visitor economy presented opportunities for that at specific coastal sites and with specific buildings. A new coastal project group studied other towns to identify a pilot site that could be developed for year-round activities and experiences. Development would incorporate a destination food and drink venue and upgraded beach facilities (e.g., showers, toilets and lifeguard services). Thanet needed “soft marketing” for this development site, with the group developing outline ideas before Thanet District Council took it to market to test developer interest.
Short to medium-term actions
Beachfront facilities
What
Identify a site (as a pilot) that could combine essential public services (toilets, changing, showers, water, lifeguard station) with destination food and drink experiences and activities. The commercial operation is to support the capital and revenue costs of the public function. A more modest model which blends commercial/public functions could be suitable at smaller locations.
When
2020/1
Who
Thanet District Council and coastal project group
What
Market the site identified above with a clear set of requirements for potential developers.
When
2020/1
Who
Thanet District Council with stakeholders
What
Identify and roll out further site development opportunities using the lessons from the pilot to refine the model and customise to each site.
When
2022 onwards
Who
What
Concept development and feasibility of a mixed-use regeneration of the land at Viking Bay.
When
2024
Who
Thanet District Council
What
Explore opportunities for enhancing the beach hut offer.
When
2020/1
Who
Your Leisure
Activity & wellbeing
What
Market-test the watersports hub concept proposed for Ramsgate East Cliff to provide further activity and wellbeing experiences as part of a mixed-use leisure development that includes food/drink and accommodation lodges/pods.
When
2020-2021
Who
Thanet District Council/Ramsgate Town Council and Locate in Kent
Seafront regeneration
What
Develop concepts for Margate Harbour to improve it for visitors, to include improved public realm, animation and commercial activity (retail, dining, fish market) and to knit it together with the Turner Contemporary, town centre and beaches.
When
2021-2024
Who
Thanet District Council
What
Place a visitor lens over any other proposed seafront regeneration sites and developments to ensure that they are contributing to a vibrant and animated seafront. Tourism Team to engage with developers at pre-planning stage to influence positive investment.
When
Ongoing
Who
Tourism Team at Thanet District Council & Developers / Investors
What
Identify and learn from best practice examples of coastal development elsewhere and consider opportunities for study tours.
When
2020
Who
Thanet District Council, Town Council and Private Sector
