The team behind the successful Ramsgate Tunnels attraction will be working alongside Thanet council and members of the Ramsgate Society on the project to restore the town’s Clock House.
The renovation of the Clock House, and development of a new town square at Pier Yard, is part of the £19.8million Ramsgate Levelling Up scheme.
Last week Curl La Tourelle Head Architecture displayed early designs for the Clock House/Pier Yard project.
For Pier Yard Curl la Tourelle aims to make the area largely pedestrianised with repair and conservation works on the Clock House with the addition of low energy use, waste minimisation, low carb emissions and green energy generation.”
The Clock House building will include extensions to give more space to the maritime collection and a café/restaurant will be included.
Designs were originally drawn up by The Ramsgate Society and these have been partially incorporated into the new plans.
The project to restore the Clock House at Ramsgate Harbour will be delivered by the council, in collaboration with the Ramsgate Heritage Regeneration Trust (RHRT), which runs the Ramsgate Tunnels.
The aim of this project is to bring the Clock House back to life as a heritage hub and create a focal point where visitors and residents can start their exploration of the town of Ramsgate.
The RHRT will take on the management of the Clock House heritage facilities when the project is complete.
The RHRT has been working closely with the Ramsgate Society over recent months and several members of the Ramsgate Society will be joining the group.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “We’re really excited about the project to restore the Clock House, creating a place where residents and visitors can find out about Ramsgate’s fascinating history.
“The restoration of the Clock House will bring a much-loved building back into use and will add to Ramsgate’s cultural attractions.
“I would like to thank the Ramsgate Society and the Ramsgate Heritage Regeneration Trust for their efforts and look forward to seeing the scheme progress.”
John Walker, Chair of the Ramsgate Society, said: “The collaboration between the Ramsgate Society, the Ramsgate Heritage Regeneration Trust and Thanet District Council is really exciting. The Clock House project is a fantastic opportunity to strengthen Ramsgate’s visitor economy.
“There is so much to celebrate about Ramsgate’s maritime heritage and the Clock House and Pier Yard projects give us a wonderful place to do that.”
Phil Spain, Trustee of the Ramsgate Heritage Regeneration Trust, said: “We are delighted to be working with Thanet District Council and the Ramsgate Society on such an important part of Ramsgate’s heritage.
“Our key aim is to preserve the town’s history and showcase it to residents and visitors. What better way to help preserve one of Ramsgate’s most iconic buildings than by refurbishing it as the home of a heritage centre?”
The hope is to put in for planning permission for the project this Autumn.
