An application to demolish The Townley ‘club’ building in Ramsgate High Street and replace it with a 4 storey block containing six 2-bed flats and four -1bed flats has been approved by Thanet council.
The Townley was a small private venue which prior to the pandemic had been available for hire for a range of functions or activities such as wedding receptions, wakes, birthday parties and other gatherings.
But documents lodged on behalf of the owner say the business is no longer sustainable and there are a large number of alternative community venues in the area.
The documents, which were submitted last year, state: “Whilst it is accepted everyday life is now opening up, the Townley has become a victim of our time and is now unsustainable.
“Over the past years, despite our client’s working tirelessly to market and operate the venue as a profit-making business, the fact is it has only been able to break even. The reality now is that Covid has changed everything.
“There are numerous other facilities all looking to attract the same business in a market place where demand has fallen. The property does not have the back up of a core business such as a pub or membership club, thus its income stream is generated only by it being hired out. The Townley is clearly not viable.”
A report by The One Architecture adds: “Redevelopment of the site not only brings social and economic benefits but in this instance will act as a catalyst for the regeneration and improvement of the local area.”
The one storey venue, which is in the Ramsgate Conservation Area, will be replaced by a four-storey, red brick build. The number of flats contained has been reduced from the original plan for 12 after concerns were raised.
Thanet council’s conservation officer said: “The design of the proposed building is largely in keeping with the aesthetic appearance and architectural language of the area as well as matching the existing adjacent property.
“Materials proposed for the scheme are that expected within the historic environment including timber, brickwork and slate and also match the surrounding environment.”
Thanet council has now approved the plans. An agreement for developer contributions includes:
- £164.20 at the Broadstairs Adult Education centre
- £655 towards towards additional resources for the Thanet Youth Service
- £554.50 for additional book stock and resources at Ramsgate Library
- £1468.80 towards specialist care accommodation, assistive technology systems and equipment to adapt homes, adapting Community facilities, sensory facilities, and Changing Places within the local area.
- £554.70 is also requested towards improvements at Margate Waste Recycling Centre £2728 SAMM contribution
Contributions towards the proposed Park Crescent secondary school on the former Royal School for Deaf Children plot are also cited but plans for this school have now been scrapped.
