South East England Development Agency (SEEDA)

Expressions of Interest Sought for Key Margate Town Centre Site

13 November 2007

Developers are being asked to come forward with plans for an exciting, new commercial development of two major town centre sites as part of the renaissance of the coastal town of Margate.

Through the work of the Margate Renewal Partnership, the South East England Development Agency (SEEDA) and Thanet District Council (TDC) are seeking to redevelop a major area in the heart of the town centre, which will provide significant new opportunities for local people and bring new investment into the retail and cultural offer of the town.

They are now seeking a development partner to bring forward two strategic sites extending to approximately 1.77 acres between Market Street, High Street, Queen Street and Cecil Square. There is a possibility that the site area could be extended should a suitable proposal be put forward. Plans should complement the historic and architectural qualities of the area and maximise the opportunities offered by the emerging Creative Quarter in the adjacent Old Town.

A shortlist of developers who will be invited to make detailed proposals is expected to be announced in the course of next year, from which a preferred developer will be chosen.

Other major work is already underway in Margate to reverse the decline that the town has experienced. The Margate Renewal Partnership, chaired by SEEDA and bringing together partners including TDC, Kent County Council (KCC), the Arts Council and English Heritage, has already attracted new creative and cultural activities benefiting from the quality and character of the old town and seafront and anticipating the new iconic art gallery, Turner Contemporary.

Margate is one of a number of coastal towns set for major regeneration under SEEDA’s targeted Coastal Strategy, due for publication early next year. The strategy will address the diverse potential and challenges in towns across the Coastal South East (Kent Thames Gateway, East Kent and Ashford, Sussex Coast, South Hampshire), leading to an action plan that will bring together the regional and local approaches needed to achieve critical mass for a locally driven transformation of each area.

The need for coastal regeneration has also been highlighted in the Regional Economic Strategy (RES) for the South East. The RES Implementation plan, which has been produced in consultation with a range of stakeholders, was launched at the end of October.

Pam Alexander, Chief Executive of SEEDA and Chair of the Margate Renewal Partnership Board, said: “Margate has wonderful natural assets, such as its seaside location and good transport links that make it a great area for further investment. Margate Renewal Partnership has already identified the main drivers of renewal and this is a key project.

“By regenerating Margate Town Centre we can start to bring investment back into the town, creating better paid jobs, helping local people to develop new skills and creating a vibrant high quality environment for people to live and work in.”

For more information or to receive an online information pack, please email margate@driversjonas.com.