A photo taken by Ramsgate shop worker Jenny Lyons (above) and urban explorers KDA-Urbex shows the neglected and dilapidated state of the former police station in Cavendish Street.
The four floor detached building and adjoining land was sold at auction last year for £1,975,000.
Planning permission for 87 apartments at the site was approved in 2007. A previous application for change of use had also been approved in 2005. By 2012 the site was in the hands of the receivers.
The building has changed hands since then but only a minimum of work appears to have taken place and the building continues to crumble after being empty for more than a decade.
The police station, whilst not listed, is within a conservation area. It was originally built as a private residence around 1842. By 1874 it had entered a succession of institutional uses, including a private lunatic asylum, a private school for girls, and also Ramsgate’s first public library. In 1929, it was converted to provide the new police station for Ramsgate.
One of the predominant features was the geometric staircase which is now in a severe state of neglect.
Last year KDA-Urbex shot video and pictures inside the building. The group expose the dereliction of the building and the deteriorating state of the once grand staircase.
Warning: Some swearing in the video
And the previous owner still lives in Thanet in his £1 million + home.
I think the Thanet District Council aught to fire a shot across the present owner’s bow, and tell him he has 90 days to do something (demolish or rebuild) or they will confiscate the eyesore!
Such a wicked shame. Yet another iconic thanet building that will end up as a pile of rubble! Would make a stunning hotel/bar/restaurant.
Does ramsgate not want to improve itself?
I notice Inspector Moss has taken up residence.