Thanet District Council is inviting members of the public to learn more about the project to restore and reopen the Theatre Royal in Margate.
A public drop-in session is happening on Wednesday 11 February 2026, between 3pm and 7pm at the Theatre Royal, Addington Street, Margate CT9 1PW.
This is an opportunity to view the plans to reopen the Theatre Royal. Boards will be on display showing the proposed designs for the building. These focus on modernising the Grade II* listed theatre and improving how it runs while protecting its unique heritage.
The council’s project team and contracted architects will be on hand to answer questions. The event is happening before applications are submitted for planning and listed building consent.
The proposed plans include:
- Auditorium and front-of-house: Upgraded seating, better accessibility and new toilet facilities.
- Building services: Complete modernisation, including new wiring, a new heating and ventilation system and fire safety upgrades.
- New extension: A new building will be added with accessible dressing rooms (with a lift), a bar and a stage door.
- Public piazza: A new public space is proposed by closing the road between the theatre and 19 Hawley Square. This will be a safe, lively area for audience members.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said: “The Theatre Royal is an important part of Margate’s leisure and cultural life. When it reopens, the theatre will provide jobs and training for young people in the arts, as well as a modernised venue where local people will be able to enjoy a whole host of performances. I look forward to watching local actors in quality shows, as well as visiting national and international productions.”
“This is a very ambitious project though; it needs support from major funders, a strong operator, and community backing.”
There will also be an opportunity to give feedback about some of the information on display, via a short engagement survey on Your Voice Thanet, the council’s public engagement website for anyone unable to attend the event.
After the event, the information boards will be displayed outside the Theatre Royal and online.
The Theatre Royal project has been allocated £5 million from the Margate Town Deal fund. At a Cabinet meeting on Thursday 22 January, Councillors approved proposals to allocate an extra £1 million for contingency funding.
Find more information about the Theatre Royal and the Margate Town Deal on the council’s website.
