Masterplan for Winter Gardens restoration revealed

Plans to restore and reopen the Margate Winter Gardens have been revealed.

The seafront venue would also have a rooftop bar and restaurant, a drama school and a 100-place nursery.

The venue dates from 1910, but was rebuilt after being damaged during World War Two, going on to host artists such as the Beatles and Dame Vera Lynn, but closed in 2022.

A masterplan to rejuvenate the venue in Fort Crescent has now been published.

The plans include reopening the Main Hall and Queen's Hall, which will be made fully accessible.

The existing decorative features and balconies will be retained.

The lease was handed back to Thanet District Council in 2022, with a large backlog of repairs needed, before Westwood One Theatre, was brought in as a new operator.

An open day will be held at the Margate Digital Campus in the High Street on Tuesday from 16:00 to 19:00 GMT, where members of staff will be on hand to discuss the plans.

The drama school will rehearse and perform in the smaller Queen's Hall, as well as having dedicated classroom and dance studio spaces elsewhere in the building.

The restaurant will be above the Main Hall, with both indoor seating and an outdoor terrace.

The nursery will be in an upper part of the site, close to the steps leading from Fort Crescent.

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