Iconic ‘Look Out’ building to be transferred to the Community

The Look-Out building located on Broadstairs’ harbour arm will be transferred to a local community group as part of Thanet District Council’s asset disposal programme.

Trustees for Broadstairs Harbour and Seafront Community Interest Company (CIC) successfully submitted a bid for a Community Asset Transfer when the building was marketed in August 2019. 

A Community Asset Transfer is the transfer of management of public land and buildings from the council to a community organisation, in order to achieve a social, economic or environmental benefit locally.

Tim Howes, Director of Corporate Governance and Monitoring Officer Thanet District Council said:

“We’re delighted that the ‘Look Out’ is being transferred to a community group that has shown such passion and dedication to the building since 2015. We’re confident that their commitment to getting volunteers and bringing the community together to take pride in the building, is a fitting choice for the transfer. We are looking forward to seeing the building’s continued restoration and it being maintained for the community for years to come.”

Andrew Rogers, Trustee for Broadstairs Harbour and Seafront CIC, said:

“We are over the moon that we are going to be able to secure the building’s future as part of the community for future generations. Our plans will now continue to grow as we look at other projects around the whole of Viking bay. We will also be launching a funding pledge shortly for donations to the cause.” 

Thanet District Council will continue to work closely with the Broadstairs Harbour and Seafront CIC so the Community Asset Transfer can complete as smoothly as possible. 

Selling council-owned buildings (assets) is a necessary process for the council as it can no longer fund any repairs or maintain several of its premises across the district.

Maintenance and repair of council owned buildings is funded from council revenue which includes rents, rates and Council Tax. When assets are sold, the proceeds can only be used to fund capital spending on new projects not applied to the councils day to day running costs.