Hornby Hobbies will be moving its offices back to Margate in January and will be creating new showrooms at the site in Ramsgate Road.
Hornby moved distribution to Hersden in 2014 and office functions to Discovery Park in 2015, ending more than 60 years of work in Margate.
But now the Scalextric and model train giant is moving back to the site.
Office area will be leased on the first and second floors and an area for the showroom – displaying the latest products on offer – is in the process of being ‘dressed.’
Hornby also runs its Visitor Centre from the site.
‘True home’
Marketing director Simon Kohler, who began his career with firm in the early 70s at the Margate site, said it was a return to the true ‘home of Hornby.’
He added: “We have already started moving furniture in and the showroom will be dressed in the next few days in time for a preview for the model press.
“We will start moving people in around the middle of January and the total move is expected to be complete by March.”
Mr Kohler said last year the company had to travel to Birmingham and set up a mobile showroom, meaning permanent space in Margate is a boon.
He said: “This is positive stuff, it is back to the future and we believe Margate is the home of Hornby. It oozes the creative juices of what Hornby is now and will be in the future.”
Real life and model sized
Hornby moves back alongside Locomotive Storage Limited, which bought the site for £2.25million after the model firm moved out.
Locomotive Storage provides storage for locomotives and rolling stock, such as the Bittern which arrived in June.
Mr Kohler added: “It is terrific. Visitors will be able to see the real thing and see how the models are designed and then buy their own.”
‘Delighted’
North Thanet MP Sir Roger Gale said: “I am delighted that Hornby Hobbies has announced, that the company will be returning to its Margate home in the new year.
“They will also be giving the exhibition and sales centre a complete makeover. I am looking forward to formally re-opening the facility in January.”
