Margate's Winter Gardens to transform into £11 million attraction

An abandoned venue in Margate is set to be revamped and reopened as a major attraction. The Winter Gardens theatre, which has been closed for over two years, will undergo a transformation with plans to finish in about 18 months. Thanet District Council has awarded a contract to Westwood One Theatre to lead this £8 to £11 million renovation. The project will not return the Winter Gardens to its former role as a performance venue. Instead, it will be developed into a drama school, day nursery, and education center. The plans also include a new rooftop bar and restaurant, along with four bars throughout the building. The Westwood One Theatre company, which operates the Granville Theatre in Ramsgate, aims to reopen the venue by late 2026, pending final approvals. A council report indicates that if the lease and grant agreement are completed promptly, parts of the venue could open within 15 to 18 months. The Winter Gardens has historical significance, having hosted famous acts like The Beatles and comedy duo Laurel and Hardy since its opening in 1911. It was a musical and theatrical hub until its closure in August 2022 due to financial issues. Residents have long hoped for its revival, with some calling it Margate's "jewel." Margate remains popular with visitors, partly due to its affordability.