Thanet District Council has dropped the incredible news Margate has been waiting for: the iconic Winter Gardens is officially set for a massive, once-in-a-millennium transformation!
Following the green light on all final pre-conditions, the council is forging ahead with a staggering 999-year lease and a vital £4 million grant agreement with the powerhouse Westwood One Theatre. This isn’t just a step forward—it’s the pivotal milestone that secures the future of this beloved venue!
The path to this moment has been carefully managed, with Westwood One Theatre selected back in March 2025 as the council’s preferred partner to breathe spectacular new life into the Grade II listed building.
The refurbishment is set to transform the currently-closed Winter Gardens into an electrifying, year-round hub for leisure, entertainment, and education. Forget what you knew; this venue is being reborn with an absolutely sensational line-up of features:
- Dual Performance Spaces: Two stunning main venues, the Main Hall and the Queen’s Hall, ready to host major concerts, theatre, and events.
- Sky-High Views: A breathtaking rooftop bar/restaurant and a daytime café offering panoramic, sweeping views!
- Hospitality Hotspots: Four additional, stylish bars.
- The Future of Talent: A fully-accredited 100-place drama school and an NCFE-accredited Further Education/Vocational Learning Centre.
- Family Focus: A 100-place, Ofsted-registered day nursery, ensuring the venue serves the entire community.
Smart Funding Secures Long-Term Success
This project is a masterclass in partnership, providing excellent value for money for Thanet. The council’s £4 million government grant is a critical injection, covering over 50% of the estimated £7.9 million works. Crucially, Westwood One Theatre is providing the significant balance through robust private sector match funding, guaranteeing a sustainable and thriving future for the Winter Gardens for generations to come.
Bob Porter, Director of Place at Thanet Council, commented: “This is a truly exciting time for Margate and the Winter Gardens. The council’s ambition has always been to bring this magnificent building back to life, and with Westwood One Theatre, we have found a partner whose vision and dedication align with ours. Their plans are comprehensive and innovative, promising a fantastic future for the venue and significant benefits for our community.”
Westwood One Theatre said: “The future for the Winter Gardens is an exciting one, and we feel privileged that we get to be at the helm of this incredible project. We are grateful to everybody who has been a part of creating this vision and look forward to re-opening this amazing building.”
Work is expected to start on site in the summer of 2026, subject to planning and listed building consent. The Main Hall and the Queen’s Hall are slated to open in April 2027. The project is expected to contribute significantly to the economic growth and regeneration of Margate and Thanet, creating a thriving cultural destination and breathing new life into a heritage building. Detailed due diligence, including financial viability checks and risk mitigation strategies, has been completed to ensure the project’s successful delivery.