Following an eight year campaign, Heritage Lab Ramsgate has reached an agreement in principle to bring the former public rooms at Ramsgate’s Grade II-listed Granville Hotel back into use. The organisation’s proposals, which still require planning permission, would see part of the building converted into four apartments, with other spaces - including the banqueting hall - secured for community use. “The Granville Hotel is one of Ramsgate's architectural treasures,” says Heritage Lab founder Rob Kenyon. “Behind those boarded-up windows are some of the most beautiful and historically important rooms in the town, with enormous potential to be brought back to life and enjoyed by future generations.”
Andy Malt
Turner Contemporary in Margate has been awarded a grant from the Clore Duffield Foundation to deliver a three year educational programme. Working in partnership with six local secondary schools, Clore Schools Connect will connect young people in Thanet with contemporary art, local artists and opportunities across the creative industries. In its first year, it aims to reach 800 year nine students at Hartsdown Academy, Charles Dickens School, Royal Harbour Academy, King Ethelbert School, Ursuline College and Enterprise Learning Alliance. Find out more.
Dreamland has published its Economic Impact Report, assessing its economic, employment, social, and community impact across Margate, East Kent, and Kent & Medway in 2025. Commissioned by independent consultants Marshall Regen, the report found that Dreamland generated £25.7 million in spending in 2025, adding £12.3 million to Margate's economy. It also generated 280 gross full-time equivalent jobs for local people and spent £1 million directly with businesses located in Margate.
Artist Laurence Vallières has unveiled two more public artworks in Margate for her Shedding Plastic series. Following on from the hermit crab on display in The Centre, you can now see a pink seahorse up a lamppost on Lombard Street. The third and final work is a seagull sitting on a bin bag, which will accompany Rise Up, Clean Up on their beach cleans. Created as part of Rise Up Residencies, the sculptures have been made from recycled plastic and cardboard. See them on Instagram.
Thanet baby bank Mama to Mama and children’s store Kinder Collective are teaming up for an initiative to donate new toys as gifts for families in need this Christmas. They are asking for donations of new toys for children aged 0-5. Nothing battery operated to avoid ongoing costs to the families that receive them. Bring your donations unwrapped to Kinder Collective in Broadstairs by November 19.
Ramsgate Salvation Army has also launched a Christmas present appeal, calling for presents to be donated for babies, children and teenagers across Thanet. Last year’s appeal saw nearly 600 children in the area receive gifts. Presents can be donated at 167 High Street, Ramsgate or you can buy directly from the appeal’s Amazon wishlist.
TKE Studios has put out an open call for art inspired by Margate for a new show curated by Tracey Emin and Lola Strong-Brett. Open to artists from across Thanet of all ages, The Margate Show will launch as part of Off Season in January and run until the end of March. Apply by Friday, November 27.
The Wellington in Margate has been named Britain’s 50th best pub by the Good Food Guide. It’s the only Thanet pub to appear in the publication’s 100 Best Pubs list, although others nearby make the cut. The Radnor Arms in Folkestone comes in at number nine, and The Rose in Deal is at 28. All three pubs feature in our guide to East Kent’s best roasts, so there’s a reason to check them all out.
Strange Tourist
As part of Grassroots Venue Month in January, Where Else is Margate is offering discounted venue hire for the whole month. Got a burning idea for a gig, performance, club night or handstand workshop that you just can’t shake out of your head? Now’s your chance. The maximum amount you’ll pay will be £120, depending on the event. Apply by Monday, November 16.
Margate Queer Library has received a new grant from Arts Council England to support its development. The funding will also enable new research, pilot projects and community engagement sessions. Now a year and a half old, the library at 7 Thanet Road in Cliftonville has a catalogue of over 1000 books. Find out more.
Gazza Brick Store, the secondhand Lego retailer usually found behind B&Q, will soon open on Northdown Road in Cliftonville - and become a magnet for small children no doubt. It’s looking for unwanted, unloved and unplayed with Lego sets and loose bulk parts to buy. DM for more information.
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