In the news: A Fairy Tale of Corruption in Margate (Allegedly)

Blog post from BB1's Nick Bateman for Kent online:

http://blogs.kentonline.co.uk/post/A-Fairy-Tale-of-Corruption-in-Margate-(Allegedly).aspx

"Many years ago in fact as far back as 1264 there was a town called Meregate, which later became known as Margate. Steeped in maritime history it also became a very popular holiday resort for both rich and poor.

Inventions such as the bathing machine a contraption that was wheeled out to sea for both men and women to change into their costumes, made the experience of swimming ‘proper’ and drew more and more holidaymakers.

Margate was on the rise and both the famous and not so famous made a beeline for the stunning beaches, warm sunshine and good old Kentish beer. Songs and poems and films were made about Margate and families enjoyed each other’s company. Life was good for Margate. Well, if we ignore the mods and rockers having a pop at each other in the 1960s…

But in a cruel twist of fate Margate fell out of vogue. Gone were the wealthy tourists, and instead, Margate became home to desperadoes’, and many economic migrants, as well as many disenchanted Londoners sent to Margate by the various councils of London to enjoy the town and live free. Well almost.

The Victorian pier was largely decimated by a storm in 1978, mysterious fires destroyed buildings, unemployment started to climb and property prices headed south. The UK was in financial turmoil in the 1980s, and Margate began to suffer more than most. One newspaper called Margate ‘Britain’s Top Ghost Town’ and they didn’t mean of the spooky kind.

But hey presto, a glimmer of hope was there in the Noughties. But some evil landowners, it was said, decided to offer ‘incentives’ or might have been ‘bribes’ to some land and estate agents and not to pass on offers from buyers to sellers. It was so they could buy them on the cheap! Boo I hear you say, and you would be right. Allegedly.

Huge government grants became available and suddenly the money was gone and some evil people might have trousered the lot. Allegedly.

Humble shopkeepers were asked for more rent and when they could not pay, they were chased to the end of the globe for the funds. Allegedly.

A huge gallery then appeared in 2011 with much acclaim, and with the gallery came the crowds. Many coming down to Margate yet again in mechanically propelled vehicles, as well as something called HS1.

With the crowds came the sunshine, but beneath Margate’s rebirth, a few of those who felt wronged and a few with morals decided to start to expose those people, which they thought were responsible. Their aim is to make Margate the great place it deserves to be, without the alleged corruption. Like all good stories, there is bound to be a happy ending…"

Dalby Square, Cliftonville awarded £1.89m THI funding

Lagging behind here on MA. But in an attempt to catch up, felt we should attempt to catch up. Everyone will by now have the news that Dalby Square, Cliftonville has been awarded £1.89m THI money. We reported way back in July 2010 about Nick Dermott's scheme. That was probably more inspiring than the TDC press release. We wish the Dalby Square project every success and look forward to an update.

NEWS RELEASE

LOTTERY CASH FOR HISTORIC BUILDINGS IN CLIFTONVILLE

 

Nearly £2 million of lottery funding is coming into Thanet to help improve historic buildings in one part of Cliftonville.

 

A “first round pass” from the Heritage Lottery Fund, giving the green light for a £1.89m* Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) award, includes £35,100 in development funding so that Thanet District Council can work up the application.

 

The money will be used for works to the Dalby Square Conservation Area in Cliftonville, Margate, including Dalby and Arthur Roads. The area dates from the mid-19th century and formed part of the wider expansion of Margate through the development of Cliftonville.  Cliftonville was a highly exclusive resort from the 1870s until the First World War and remained a popular one until the 1970s.

 

HLF’s investment comes through its Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI)** programme which fosters effective partnerships between local organisations enabling repairs and other essential works in historic but often run-down areas bringing high streets back to life. The funding, integral to wider conservation and regeneration strategies, also aims to help provide employment opportunities, volunteer training and heritage days to help actively involve local residents projects in their area.

 

Stuart McLeod, Head of the Heritage Lottery Fund in the South East, said: “City and town centres form a large part of our urban landscape and are the backdrop to millions of people’s daily lives. We’re determined to help regenerate areas that are currently struggling and in need of additional encouragement and an injection of much-needed cash. The Heritage Lottery Fund set up its THI programme to help exactly the sort of local projects like this one in Margate.”

 

The project will reinstate many lost historical features such as chimneys, parapets and roof coverings. It will also focus on energy conservation issues and, by bringing empty floor space back into use, strive to re-instate some of the high quality hotels that once lined the square.  Local people will have the chance to get actively involved and engage with the project through a range of events and activities relating to the town's history

 

Thanet has already had two successful THI schemes. The first ran from 2003 until 2008 in Margate Old Town and the second, which focuses on Ramsgate Waterfront, is still running. The THI programme aims to promote and financially assist the conservation, regeneration and enhancement of historic buildings in particular areas which have high historic value. The new scheme in Cliftonville will also look at improvements to public areas, providing high quality hotel accommodation and making properties more energy efficient.

 

In Margate Old Town, over 25 buildings were brought back into use, some after many years of neglect and dereliction. In addition, many more buildings were repaired or had architectural features restored. The Ramsgate THI scheme, which still has eighteen months to run, has to date offered 52 grants and work has been completed to 25 buildings. It is expected that by the end of the scheme, the full budget of £1.5m will be spent.

 

Heritage Development Advisor, Nick Dermott, said: “Thanet is fortunate in being incredibly rich in historic buildings and environments and the Dalby Square area in Cliftonville is a fine example of this. THI schemes in Margate and Ramsgate have already made a real difference, bringing many properties, that were previously derelict, back into use and helping to significantly improve the appearance and economic viability of the area. This award from the Heritage Lottery Fund will allow us to do the same in Dalby Square and I’m sure it’s something that everyone in the area will warmly welcome. We appreciate the Lottery’s strong and continuing support for the Thanet District.”

 

Thanet District Council has up to a year to secure match funding for the scheme and to agree details with the Heritage Lottery Fund.

 

ENDS

Further Information:

For the HLF Press Office please contact Vicky Wilford, 020 7591 6046 / 07973 401937, email vickyw@hlf.org.uk

 

For Conservation Areas at Risk please visit www.english-heritage.org.uk/caring/heritage-at-risk/conservation-areas-at-risk/.

 

Notes to editors:

 

• *A Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) earmarked first-round pass means that money has been set aside by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) for the scheme in question. Competition at this stage is tough, and while it does not guarantee funding, it is an indication of positive support. The applicants can then progress to the second round and submit a further, fully-developed application to secure the full award.  This early level of strong financial commitment means that THIs can build strong partnerships with the assurance that funding for their scheme is in place provided their final proposals fully meet the programme criteria.

 

• **HLF’s Townscape Heritage Initiative (THI) encourages partnerships of local organisations to carry out repairs and other works to a number of historic buildings, structures or spaces.  Grants range from £500,000 to £2m. To date, HLF has invested over £200m regenerating towns that have suffered serious social and economic decline.

 

• Using money raised through the National Lottery, the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) sustains and transforms a wide range of heritage for present and future generations to take part in, learn from and enjoy. From museums, parks and historic places to archaeology, natural environment and cultural traditions, we invest in every part of our diverse heritage.  HLF has supported more than 30,000 projects allocating £4.5billion across the UK including more than £319million in the West Midlands alone. Website: www.hlf.org.uk
• 
  Cheryl Pendry
  Press and Media Manager
  Thanet District Council 
  www.thanet.gov.uk
  
  Tel:  01843 577 034
  Fax: 01843 295 343

Groundwork project with Marks and Spencer Plan A at Park Place, Margate

Groundwork Kent & Medway have organised a meeting to discuss the development of Park Place. This is the small triangle of green space at the side of the very busy road next to the firestation.

The meeting will take place on Monday 23rd May, 6.30pm at St John's Community Centre.

The Marks & Spencer is funding the project through it's environmental project, Plan A.

They have a section on the Plan A website for Park Place:

http://plana.marksandspencer.com/about/partnerships/groundwork/gallery/ParkPlace

This is part of a national gallery of projects. You can upload pictures of the site to their website. Or directly to their Flickr Group with the tag ParkPlace:

Here's their picture of Park Place:

 

Do you think this site is a good site in the whole of Margate for this funding?

We believe funding for Park Place is thought to be £30k. The idea is a 'sensory garden with mosaics'.

If you would like to know how to create a sensory garden at the side of a busy road, do go along to the meeting. Also to find out how the £30k budget is to be spent.

Previously, the Park Place site (13 Park Place) had a number of planning applications from Thanet District Council to build a house on it.

F/TH/10/0977

F/TH/10/0557

Where is Park Place?

Google Map:

http://maps.google.co.uk/maps/mm?ie=UTF8&hl=en&ll=51.3836,1.382824&spn=0.00159,0.003449&t=h&z=18

I think the M&S Project is the upper triangle not both. But await further confirmation.

More info on the meeting from Groundwork Kent & Medway.

-----Original Message-----

From: Joanne Ursell 
Subject: Community Green Space - Park Place

Dear All,

I understand that most of you came to a steering group committee meeting for the above project, led by Groundwork Kent & Medway via funding we have obtained from Marks & Spencers carrier bag scheme to improve people's local green spaces.

I wanted to invite you along to another meeting on Monday 23rd June  at 6.30pm.  There will be an update on whats happening and we are hoping to discuss an 'open day' community engagement event where we'd like to have an ideas tree for people to add their views/ideas, along with various stalls and activities to encourage people in the local area to meet up and talk to each other. Its also hoped that we can recruit some more volunteers.

I am hopeful that you will already have received a flyer about the event and/or someone from the local Groundwork team will have spoken to you about the meeting already.  There will be refreshments provided and the meeting should be fairly short - we just wanted to 'pick your brains' about how you think the event should run and what would get more people involved.

I hope you can make it and look forward to meeting up.

Best wishes,

Jo Ursell

Joanne Ursell 
Community Development Officer

Groundwork Kent & Medway 
Marine Studios, 17 Albert Terrace, Margate, Kent. CT9 1UJ
Office Telephone: 01843 294 463

www.groundwork-km.org.uk

 

 

 

 

Unite Union protests for fairer worker conditions at Thanet Earth

** VIP **ARLINGTON TESCO PLANNING **PUBLIC HEARING TDC May 25th 7pm

We have received notification from the Arlington House Residents' Assocation that the council hearing for the current planning application will take place May 25th.

The formal deadline for objections to be submitted to TDC planning is tomorrow Thursday 12th May.

PLEASE NOTE YOUR DIARIES AND ATTEND THE MEETING AT THE COUNCIL OFFICES

IN CECIL SQUARE, MARGATE.

THE TESCO STORE WILL BE 7,677 SQ. MTRS. (A SIMILAR SIZE TO THE ASDA
STORE AT WESTWOOD ROAD, BROADSTAIRS) AND WILL OPERATE ON A 24 HOUR
BASIS -7 DAYS A WEEK.

FRESHWATER PREDICT 17,000 CAR MOVEMENTS IN AND OUT OF THE CAR PARK
FROM FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ALONE.

IF THE APPLICATION IS APPROVED, THE EXISTING CAR PARK WILL BE
DEMOLISHED AND THE RESIDENTS' CAR PARKING WILL BE REDUCED TO 64
SPACES.

A CHARGE WILL BE IMPOSED OF £300 PLUS VAT (TOTAL £360) PER SPACE
(ONLY ONE SPACE AVAILABLE TO THE LEASEHOLDER OF EACH FLAT) FOR THE
FIRST YEAR. THERE WILL ONLY BE FOUR DISABLED SPACES AND EVEN THOSE
WILL BE CHARGEABLE. FRESHWATER WILL UNDOUBTEDLY INCREASE THE CHARGE
EACH YEAR.

TESCO IS NOT PAYING FOR THE EXTERIOR OF ARLINGTON HOUSE - EACH
LEASEHOLDER WILL FACE A MINIMUM BILL OF £3,500 FOR EXTERNAL
REFURBISHMENT OF ARLINGTON HOUSE.

IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY SUBMITTED YOUR VIEWS ON THE PLANNING
APPLICATION TO THE COUNCIL - YOU MUST DO SO BY TOMORROW (12TH MAY).

Thankyou

Valerie Kirschner

Secretary

Arlington House Residents' Association

Margate

vakinuk@hotmail.com

________________________________
From: rongreene148@msn.com
Subject: * * * IMPORTANT * * * ARLINGTON PLANNING * * *
Date: Wed, 11 May 2011 18:32:36 +0100

DEAR ALL

I HAVE JUST DISCOVERED THAT THE ARLINGTON PLANNING APPLICATION IS TO
BE HEARD BY THE COUNCIL ON 25 MAY AT 7PM. PLEASE NOTE YOUR DIARIES
AND ATTEND THE MEETING AT THE COUNCIL OFFICES IN CECIL SQUARE MARGATE.

IF THE APPLICATION IS APPROVED, OUR CAR PARK FOR 85 CARS WILL BE
DEMOLISHED AND THE RESIDENTS CAR PARKING WILL BE REDUCED TO 64 SPACES.
A CHARGE WILL BE IMPOSED OF £300 PLUS VAT (TOTAL £360) PER SPACE
(ONLY ONE SPACE AVAILABLE TO THE LEASEHOLDER OF EACH FLAT) FOR THE
FIRST YEAR. THERE WILL ONLY BE FOUR DISABLED SPACES AND EVEN THOSE
WILL BE CHARGEABLE. FRESHWATER WILL UNDOUBTEDLY INCREASE THE CHARGE
EACH YEAR.

EACH LEASEHOLDER WILL FACE A BILL OF £3,500 FOR EXTERNAL REFURBISHMENT
OF ARLINGTON HOUSE (FOR WHICH THERE IS NO LONGER A DEFERRED PAYMENT
SCHEME).

THE ADJACENT TESCO STORE WILL BE 7,677 SQ. MTRS. (A SIMILAR SIZE TO
THE ASDA STORE AT WESTWOOD ROAD, BROADSTAIRS) AND WILL OPERATE ON A 24
HOUR BASIS. FRESHWATERS PREDICT 17,000 CAR MOVEMENTS IN AND OUT OF
THE CAR PARK FROM FRIDAY THROUGH SATURDAY ALONE.

IF YOU HAVE NOT ALREADY SUBMITTED YOUR VIEWS ON THE PLANNING
APPLICATION TO THE COUNCIL - YOU MUST DO SO BY TOMORROW (12TH MAY).

WE HAVE ARRANGED A MEETING WITH WARD COUNCILLOR IRIS JOHNSTON FOR 9AM
THIS SATURDAY MORNING (14TH MAY) IN THE GROUND FLOOR LOBBY AT
ARLINGTON HOUSE.

THIS WILL BE YOUR LAST CHANCE TO VOICE YOUR OPINIONS, CONCERNS AND
QUESTIONS IN RESPECT OF THE DEVELOPMENT, LOSS OF OUR FREE CAR PARK AND
ANY OTHER ISSUES AFFECTING ARLINGTON HOUSE BEFORE THE APPLICATION IS
DECIDED BY THE COUNCIL.

Regards

Ron Greene