Future plans for the former Western Undercliff café site in Ramsgate could include a hotel, restaurant, rooftop bar and/or shops.
The site was sold by Thanet council at auction last October for £100,000. The sale went ahead despite
A fundraiser was launched in July by The Hideaway – made up of members from the Western Undercliff Regeneration group – to buy the site from Thanet council as a community asset.
But Thanet council turned down a £50,000 bid from the group.
The property was won by a Maidstone-based buyer who has now sent an email for local groups, hoping members will get involved with future plans.
The email reveals that a survey shows the café will need to be demolished “due to the level of deterioration it has suffered over the years.”
But the buyer hopes to build something “new and shiny” in its place, with plans for something larger and of mixed use over several storeys with the ground floor being used as a café or restaurant.
The email to groups says: “We and our consultant recognise the sensitivity and opportunity this area represents and as such any development proposal we put forward is likely to be bold and striking to enhance the area and assist in rejuvenation – not simply a block of flats for instance.”
Possibilities being put forward are retail and offices for possible use by the port, retail and a restaurant with roof terrace / bar, a budget hotel or a boutique hotel, shops and apartments or, the least likely option but not ruled out, retail with an iconic structure and viewing platforms / plus restaurant such as the Brighton i360 or Seattle space needle.
The email says the developer would also like to have toilets and shower facilities for beach users but this would be dependent on arrangements for maintenance and upkeep.
A public consultation is likely to be held prior to a planning application being submitted to Thanet council.
