Thanet District Council has appointed a specialist agency to help promote the Margate Winter Gardens to potential new operators and investors.
Commercial Real Estate firm Colliers will now carry out a marketing exercise, promoting the Winter Gardens to potential partners, and gauging interest in the venue. The goal is to attract investment proposals from organisations with the experience and expertise needed to make it a successful leisure proposition for Thanet.
The venue was temporarily closed in August 2022 to allow an in-depth survey of the structure of the building and facilitate plans for a sustainable future. The project is part of the Margate Town Deal and long-term regeneration programme that will see £22.2m invested locally.
The decision to identify a specialist commercial agency to work on the Winter Gardens project was approved by Cabinet in March 2023. Since then a procurement and selection process has taken place with submissions received from four agencies.
The selected agency will now create a detailed marketing information pack and launch a campaign designed to attract proposals from serious investors. The objective is to ensure that the Winter Gardens will be reimagined to play a central role in Thanet’s cultural and economic landscape for decades to come.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “We are excited to partner with Colliers on this important project. Their expertise in the property market and extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry will be instrumental in finding the right buyer or operator for the Winter Gardens.
“We recognise how important this project is to many residents and are optimistic that this partnership will lead to the timely completion of the current process, creating a reinvigorated cultural landmark that will enrich the community and attract visitors for years to come.”
Nigel Ball, director in Colliers Licensed & Leisure team, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Thanet District Council to explore a range of opportunities for this historic site. We expect to identify partners who can deliver a long-term commercial solution which contributes to the wider economy in Margate.”
The council has started to prepare for the renovation process, beginning with clearing the contents and removing debris from the Winter Gardens building. The council has engaged a clearance company that will recycle the majority of the items, to ensure that this process meets the council’s commitment to sustainability and responsible environmental practices. In addition, some items will be sold by auction. When confirmed, details of the auction will be made publicly available.
Further information and updates on the Winter Gardens project can be found on the council’s website.
