Pie Factory Music has officially completed the purchase of the Ramsgate Youth Centre from Kent County Council today, Thursday 5 February 2026. The purchase was made possible with a £535,000 capital grant from the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, through the government’s Pride in Place Programme, and marks an historic milestone for youth provision in Thanet.
Members of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board agreed to award the funding at a meeting on 12 December 2025. This decision was then ratified by Thanet District Council’s Cabinet on Thursday 18 December 2025 who agreed to forward fund the grant, to meet the urgent timelines required to prevent the building from being sold at public auction.
By securing the freehold, Pie Factory Music has secured the centre as a safe, creative, and permanent space for local young people.
Ramsgate was awarded £20m over ten years through the Pride in Place Programme, which aims to revitalise towns, with a focus on the three strategic objectives set out by government. The funding will focus on making Ramsgate a thriving place, building stronger communities, and giving local people more control over decisions. It is believed that this is the first large-scale grant to be awarded in the UK, under the new regeneration scheme.
Councillor Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council and a member of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, said: “This purchase is great news for Ramsgate and young people in the district. By stepping in to provide the funding for Pie Factory Music to secure the building, we have ensured that a vital community asset remains in the hands of the people who depend on it.
“The Pride in Place Programme is about making real changes in Ramsgate and improving the lives of the people that live there. It goes beyond aspirations; it’s about delivering visible, concrete results. Securing the Ramsgate Youth Centre building for Pie Factory Music directly delivers on the ten-year vision which aims to ensure Ramsgate is a place where young people can thrive. The vision is built on the belief that with the right support and investment there could be immense opportunity for young people in Ramsgate.”
Brian Horton, Interim Chair of the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board, added: “When the Board launched its vision for Ramsgate, we promised that our young people would not be left behind. Pie Factory Music is integral to youth culture in our town; by purchasing the Ramsgate Youth Centre, together we’re ensuring that our young people have a permanent place to belong
“Securing this site in perpetuity is exactly what the Pride in Place Programme was designed to do – empowering local organisations to help build stronger, more resilient communities.”
“This investment ensures the building remains a safe harbour and a place of belonging; it guarantees that young people in Ramsgate have a space to call their own. This investment is the first major step in the wider £20 million ten-year regeneration plan for Ramsgate, which focuses on restoring civic pride and creating lasting social infrastructure.”
Zoë Carassik, CEO of Pie Factory Music, said: “Knowing our future in the building is secure fills us with hope and relief. We are deeply grateful to the Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board and Thanet District Council for the grant from the Pride in Place programme to secure this site as a dedicated youth centre for generations to come.
“As our young people say, it shows the pride our community and Thanet District Council have in young people – that they believe in them now and in the future. Young people matter, they always have and always will. Saving the youth centre has been a collective effort and we thank everyone who has backed the 16-month long campaign – the community, our supporters, followers, partners, local politicians from all parties, journalists, and importantly Pie’s young people, team, and Board of Trustees. We want to send a clear message: ‘There is so much talent here, and it is time to provide a permanent and safe home where it can shine’.
“We should never have had to campaign to save Ramsgate Youth Centre, the last dedicated youth centre in the area, in the first place. Our determination to advocate for open access youth services is stronger than ever – this must not happen again. For now though, it’s time to celebrate!”
Young people who take part in Pie Factory Music activities said:
“I love Pie so much. There’s nothing else like this. Before, I was doing nothing but my friend introduced me. It got me out. It makes me happy that they [Ramsgate Neighbourhood Board and the community] see pride in young people, that they believe in us.” Crystal
“I can escape here. Without this security I wouldn’t have a place to just be myself. It’s helped me with my mental health, my confidence. Saving Pie means a lot, they’ve helped me so, so much. Thank you.” Rachel
Further information on the Ramsgate Pride in Place Programme in Thanet is available on the website.
Photo credit: Pie Factory Music
