The Margate Town Deal projects planned for Cliftonville are wide-ranging and complex, and each has its own timeframe and workplan.
A good deal has happened so far, much of which is ‘behind the scenes’. This has included engaging with statutory stakeholders to inform design; applications for listed building consent; developing procurement packs to engage contractors and a significant number of surveys.
In April, we will start work to procure a contractor for the Skatepark. This process is expected to take around eight weeks. Once a contractor is appointed for the design and build, we will be better placed to provide updates on the project delivery timescale and public engagement activity.
The designs for the Walpole Bay beach facilities and wellbeing space are currently being reviewed.
We are confident that all funding will be committed by the deadline of March 2026 and anticipate that facilities will be open to the public by summer 2026.
It may be necessary to refine the scope of some of the projects, to ensure that they can be delivered within budget and the government’s timeframe. All of the projects set out in the Margate Town Deal Coastal Wellbeing intervention are on track to be delivered as planned, and within the existing budget allocation. We do not expect to divert any funding away from these schemes. We continue to communicate regularly with the relevant government department regarding the programme of regeneration projects in Thanet.
A report will be presented to the council’s Cabinet in June/July 2025, which will include timescales for project delivery.