Thanet council is asking residents to give their views on Thanet’s night time economy – eating and drinking, music, clubbing, culture and events.
The authority has appointed consultants Counterculture to put together a night time economy review and strategy for the district, and explore options for the future of the Winter Gardens.
A Thanet council spokesperson said: “We are talking to members of the public, businesses and community organisations to hear their views on Thanet’s evening and night time economy. This includes how it impacts them, and what they feel about the challenges and opportunities, and how together we can build an ambitious, inclusive vision for the Winter Gardens.
“A series of in person engagement sessions were held across the district in the last week of April alongside online surveys for businesses and community organisations, which have now closed.
“We now have a survey available for members of the public to have their say. We want to hear the views of as many people as possible until the survey closes at midnight on Sunday 21 May.”
Bookings were paused at the Winter Gardens last Summer, All options for either lease arrangements, operator agreement or sale for the venue are being kept open.
In March a proposal to take the first steps to appoint a specialist to launch a marketing campaign was agreed.
A report to councillors said an immediate cost of £2.5m is needed for structural , building and mechanical and electrical works with a further £3.5m estimated over the next 10 years and total costs estimated at £6.25m.
The detailed marketing pack will be aimed at securing an organisation to refurbish, improve, maintain and operate the venue for uses that could include a concert hall, theatre, event spaces or leisure and tourism uses.
The Grade II listed building hosted its last performance on August 7 last year during the Margate Soul Festival before the lease was returned to Thanet council by Your Leisure and the doors were shut in readiness for an appraisal report on the venue and its future uses.
Some £300,000 has been allocated from the £22.2million Margate Town Deal fund for the appraisal work.
Currently, the site is boarded up with security measures including screening and fencing in place on and around the building.
