Council to explore next steps for Northdown House in Margate

Northdown House in Margate is a Grade II listed Georgian house built c1850, situated in the grounds of Northdown Park. The building is owned by Thanet District Council, and has been leased to Your Leisure Margate Limited since 1999. Your Leisure is currently making arrangements to surrender the lease to the council, with vacant possession.

The council is now preparing to test the market for prospective tenants. The outcomes of the exercise will be presented to Cabinet at a future meeting to inform the options for the building. The aim will be to ensure continuity, avoiding any period of vacancy. 

Northdown House must be used for leisure and educational purposes. Residential use, and any other uses beyond the categories specified, will not be permitted.

A potential new lease could see an operator take on the entire building on a full repairing and insuring basis. 

Northdown House has the potential to provide the ideal location for a range of events, which could include wedding receptions and other celebrations, meetings, workshops and day conferences. 

The property includes: 

• Event capacity for up to 200 guests, with the option to set up marquees for larger gatherings in the grounds of Northdown Park
• In-house catering and bar services
• Private garden
• Car parking next to the building

The Secret Jungle Play Garden and wellbeing facilities could also be included in the proposed lease. Northdown Park is not included, and will remain a public open space. 

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property at Thanet District Council, said: “Northdown House is a beautiful building, set in picturesque grounds. This could be a great opportunity for the right leaseholder to turn it into a multi-functional location. This marketing exercise will help us to understand possible future options for the building and the level of interest in taking up this opportunity. 

“I am sure that the repurposed building can provide a high-quality asset for the district. I look forward to seeing proposals from interested parties.”

Any potential operators who are interested in finding out more about Northdown House should contact the appointed agents, Sibley Pares, to arrange a viewing. Email Ned Gleave MRICS, ned.gleave@sibleypares.co.uk or Richard Sabin MRICS, richard.sabin@sibleypares.co.uk or call 01233 629281.

Photo Credit: Your Leisure Kent Ltd / AG Studio