Thanet District Council has announced a capital restoration scheme for Margate’s historic Grade II Listed former Victorian Police Station, Magistrates’ Court, and Old Town Hall worth just over £3.6m.
The funding is drawn from a combination of local government funds, regeneration and heritage grants.
The combined investment package comprises:
- Thanet District Council: £1,770,834 direct investment, including an allocation from the building maintenance budget
- Historic England (Heritage at Risk Capital Fund): £999,000 grant request
- Pride in Place Impact Fund: £900,000, subject to approval
It will be used to address structural issues, make the buildings accessible, and safeguard local coastal history for future generations.
The confirmation of external funding from Historic England, combined with the council’s allocation, unlocks the opportunity to make a significant investment in the site.
Previous structural issues led to the closure of the Margate Museum in 2024. The comprehensive restoration work will include restoration and repairs, upgrading heating and electrical systems, and installing modern lifts and ramps to ensure the building is fully accessible. Funding to store the collection and fit out the museum is also included.
The adjoining Old Town Hall will be repurposed to include spaces for commercial and community organisations. The aim is to generate ongoing revenue to support the museum and secure its long-term financial viability.
Located in the Market Place at the heart of Margate’s Old Town, the Margate Museum building includes intact Victorian police cells, the courtroom, and Margate town and seaside heritage collection spanning 5,500 years.
Once reopened, the Museum is anticipated to offer resources for schools, engagement activities for Margate’s diverse communities, and volunteer activities.
The museum’s extensive collections celebrate Margate’s history as Britain’s original seaside resort, its connections to celebrated painter JMW Turner, maritime and RNLI archives, youth culture such as the 1964 Mods and Rockers, and historic criminal trials.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said:
“The Margate Museum and the Old Town Hall sit right at the historic heart of our community. For too long, these buildings have been closed to the very people who want to, and should be able to, enjoy them.
“Securing this £3.6m funding package is a monumental step forward. It’s an opportunity to save our shared heritage and give access back to the community that cares about it most.
“As well as receiving just shy of £1m from Historic England, the largest allocation in the South East region, we were also delighted to welcome Heritage Minister, Baroness Twycross to Thanet recently, to showcase the district’s heritage assets.
“Thanet is blessed with a wealth of listed buildings and heritage sites that are worthy of protection. Alongside adding just over £900,000 from the Pride in Place Impact Fund, and the council’s own contribution of over £1,770,000, that truly unlocks our ability to invest in this site. This project will restore the museum, create accessible community spaces, and give local businesses a chance to thrive alongside our town’s culture.”
The initial focus will be on procuring contractors and preparing detailed accessibility and fit-out plans for the Margate Museum and Old Town Hall, before the main contractor is procured in the first half of 2027.
Anyone that is interested in volunteering to help pack or audit the museum’s extensive collection can email museums@thanet.gov.uk to register their interest.
Further information on the Pride in Place Impact Fund can be found on the council website.
Further detail on Margate’s fascinating history is available on the Visit Thanet website.
Photo credit: © Historic England Archive
