Winter Gardens refurbishment at Winter Gardens, Fort Crescent, Margate

What was proposed

Listed building consent was sought for extensions, alterations, refurbishment and associated works to support mixed use of the Winter Gardens.

“LOCATION: Application for listed building consent for erection of two storey rear extension to north elevation with roof terrace, and access from upper promenade level (including lobby extension and external staircases); erection of single-storey front extension to south elevation; alterations to fenestration and refurbishment works; internal alterations including partial demolition and refurbishment works; associated works, including new steps and ramps to north, plant…”

Officer report

The site and its history

The Grade II listed theatre sits in Margate Conservation Area and had been closed since August 2022; earlier investigative works were approved in April 2026.

“The Winter Gardens is located on Margate Seafront, and is surrounded by the lawn on both sides, the promenade to the north and Fort Crescent to the south. The site lies within Margate Conservation Area, and the building is Grade II Listed. It is a theatre venue that has hosted a number of events, but has been closed since August 2022 whilst options regarding its future have been explored due to concerns over the building's condition and ongoing viability.”

“L/TH/26/0181 - Application for Listed Building Consent for proposed internal investigative works including creation of trail pits, opening of ceilings, floors and wall and inspection of building servicing routes Granted - 24 April 2026”

Officer report

What officers recommended

Officers considered the works would cause less than substantial heritage harm, outweighed by repairing the building, securing its future and bringing it back into use.

“The intention of the application for the proposed works is to repair, refurbish and develop the Winter Gardens in order to bring it back into viable use. Internally few changes are being made, but externally the proposed extension works and M&E systems will further change the form of the listed building, and obscure views of the original historic northern elevation.”

“The Conservation Officer has advised that whilst there will clearly be varying levels of harm from these works and the proposed changes, these are considered to be entirely outweighed by the vast number of improvements to the currently empty, and dilapidated listed building. The works will help preserve the significance of the listed structure and return it to a fully viable use, allowing members of the public to use and enjoy the facility once again.”

Officer report

What people said

One objection raised concerns about residential amenity, public safety, traffic, parking, waste, heritage impact, proposed uses and changes to the historic building.

“Neighbouring occupiers have been notified and a site notice posted. One objection has been received, raising concerns about the impact on residential amenity, public safety, traffic generation, parking capacity, waste management, heritage impact and the overall suitability of the proposed uses.”

“During the course of the application, amendments were received to the submission. These were not considered to significantly amend the proposal to warrant re-consultation under the Council’s Statement of Community Involvement. All plans under consideration have been published on the Council’s website.”

Officer report

Who spoke

One speaker spoke in favour, one spoke against, and Councillor Crittenden spoke under the Council’s procedure rules.

The committee discussion

The Principal Planning Officer outlined the application, and members agreed to continue the meeting until 23:00.

“The Principal Planning Officer gave an outline of the report.”

“Councillor Packman proposed and Councillor J. Bright seconded that the Committee continued with the meeting beyond 22:30hrs and up to 23:00hrs.”

Minutes

The vote and decision

The committee approved the officer recommendation with the listed conditions by 7 votes to 0, with 2 abstentions, and requested an asbestos regulations informative.

“The Chair proposed and Councillor Packman seconded that the officer recommendation to approve be AGREED, subject to the following conditions:”

“When put to the vote the motion was AGREED, and officers were asked to add informative in relation to asbestos regulations.”

Minutes