Curl la Tourelle Head Architecture (CLTH) have been appointed by Thanet District Council (TDC) to develop the ‘Testing New Uses’ project which forms part of the Coastal Wellbeing intervention of the Margate Town Deal Investment Plan.

For two hundred years from 1750, Margate was a popular English coastal holiday resort. An increase in the awareness of the health benefits of bathing and sea air, alongside revolutions in mass transport encouraged generations to visit Margate sands for seaside holidays.

Over the years, Walpole Bay has been designated as an important ecological and heritage site. It is a RAMSAR wetland site, a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a Special Area of Conservation (SAC), a Marine Conservation Zone (MCZ) and is a Special Protection Area (SPA). It includes the Grade II Listed Walpole Bay Tidal Pool and the Grade II Listed Cliff Lift, which are also safeguarded by the Clifftop Conservation Area.

The Aim of the project is to support TDC in providing year-round operation of coastal facilities with a focus on wellbeing. We have been studying promenade buildings and structures to serve the existing and new users of Walpole Bay, which will aim to promote health and equity for local people and visitors. These beachside structures will host new business and community activities to strengthen Margate's identity and wellbeing heritage.

CLTH has been shaping the brief through a two week public engagement activity held at Walpole Bay Hotel, Cliftonville, Margate. We look forward to sharing more of this exciting project in Margate - we wish you were here!