Community representatives complete Margate Town Deal Board as it progresses with Government Town Fund application

The Margate Town Deal Board* brings together a wide range of knowledge and skills across private and public sectors.

When it met for the first time on 6 March 2020, it was recruiting for two community representatives which it has now successfully appointed.

New members

• Stephen Darrer, Secretary of the GRASS (Gordon Road Area Street Scheme) Cliftonville Committee said:

“I am delighted to have been selected as a community representative on the Margate Town Deal Board. I have been a volunteer committee member at GRASS Cliftonville for several years, and I look forward to working collaboratively with the Board whilst also trying to represent as many voices from the community as possible.”

• Jesse Tomlinson, a Margate resident and Politics & International Relations student at the University of Kent commented:

“Community is what brings us together; inspiring us to help others and act for the good of the whole. I look forward to collaborating with Thanet District Council to bring about positive change for the people of the local area.”

• Graham Razey, Chair of the Margate Town Deal Board remarked:

“We were delighted with both the range and calibre of applicants for these important roles and look forward to welcoming our new members to the Board. We will be consulting with everyone who applied to ensure that we utilise all of the skills and experience that the candidates displayed. Community consultation is a vital part of the work of the Board and I personally am looking forward to getting started.”

Background

In September 2019, Margate was shortlisted as one of 101 towns in England that could potentially benefit from up to £25m of funding from the introduction of the new Government Towns Fund. 

One of the requirements included in the Government’s prospectus for the Towns Fund is that a Town Deal Board must be established, with a membership that includes both the private and public sectors, and chaired by a representative of the local business community. The Board will be responsible for producing a Town Investment Plan. This will set out the key investment priorities and opportunities for Margate as well as document its assets and challenges.

Margate’s Town Deal Board is chaired by Graham Razey of EKC Group and has 14 members including MP Sir Roger Gale; District Councillors; representatives of the South East LEP and Kent County Council; senior personnel from the NHS, local businesses; Jobcentre Plus and two community representatives.

Coronavirus

In light of the coronavirus pandemic, the Board is reviewing how it engages with Margate residents and stakeholders. In these challenging times, it is determined to continue its work to create the most compelling Town Investment Plan possible to hopefully provide some positive news for the town, and help with its economic recovery. 

The Board is talking to Central Government about the potential impact of COVID-19. It understands that the programme is set to continue and that guidance is being reviewed in light of this. 

More information, including Board meeting agendas, minutes, Terms of Reference and Code of Conduct can be found at thanet.gov.uk/margate-town-deal