Thanet District Council’s planning committee has approved plans for the reopening of the Theatre Royal Margate. This decision marks a major milestone for the second oldest theatre in the United Kingdom, which has been closed since April 2022.
The approved plans will breathe new life into the Grade II* listed building. The project will focus on heritage restoration, modern performance facilities, and long-term financial sustainability. The council can now proceed with the procurement of a contractor to restore the building, appoint a theatre operator and work towards reopening the doors for pantomime season in 2027.
The extensive restoration plans include;
- Interior restoration and structural repairs, to secure the auditorium, encompassing detailed plasterwork.
- Demolition of the non-historic lean-to structures to add/build a modern side extension providing a new stage door, bar and fully accessible dressing rooms.
- Sensitive reinstatement of the Georgian townhouse frontage at Hawley Square as well as the integration of ventilation and rooftop solar panels to provide sustainable energy.
- Interior upgrades including new bars, accessible toilets and modern technical LED stage lighting and a state-of-the-art sound system.
The plans also intend to increase the theatre’s seating capacity by 50 seats, bringing the total capacity to 515.
The project is supported by £6m of government regeneration funding. The development plan was created with specialist conservation architects in collaboration, with Theatres Trust, and Historic England.
Cllr Ruth Duckworth, Cabinet Member for Regeneration and Property, said:
“The design is one of respectful, harmonious preservation. Working with specialist conservation architects, collaborating via the pre-application process with council officers in planning and conservation, Theatres Trust and Historic England, the project team has developed a plan that honours the history of this Grade II* listed building while ensuring it can thrive in the modern age.
“This project is about far more than preserving a building and undertaking structural repairs. Our aim is to make the theatre accessible to all and a welcoming and inclusive space. The new extension means that providing step-free access for performers and staff, ensuring this stage can be a workplace for everyone. We are modernising our services and integrating sustainable energy, securing the theatre’s operation for generations to come.”
The project has received significant backing from both the public and industry experts. Public online engagement activity in February saw over 36,000 responses and 92% supported the proposal.
The current search for an operator has attracted interest from high-quality, viable organisations, indicating strong market confidence in the scheme.
While the long term masterplan includes future public realm improvements and the renovation of 19 Hawley Square, this specific determination secures the essential consents required for the theatre’s immediate development and reopening.
Following the approvals the council is on track to award the capital works contract this autumn, with the goal of reopening for the pantomime season in 2027.
Operator selection process is underway and an announcement on the appointed operators is expected this autumn.
Full details of the Masterplan can be found here https://www.thanet.gov.uk/theatre-royal/
