Thanet District Council has agreed the sale of the Westbrook Loggia building at Westbrook Bay to artist Tracey Emin.
Tracey Emin’s plans for the renovation of the building include a community bathers club with café, hot showers, toilet facilities, sauna and winter club room on the ground floor.
The first floor will provide a range of facilities including a large art studio, gym, restaurant and a hot desk station. The roof area will be transformed into a sunbathing area with refreshment facilities.
Tracey said: “I’m so happy and excited. Margate is going to have bathers’ club that we can use all year round. It will take a couple of years to get it renovated and up and running. I want to make it beautiful and grand again.”
It is thought that the Westbrook Bay Pavilion (also known as the Loggia Building) was constructed in 1910. It was originally known as the Westonville Bathing Pavilion and gradually became known as the Loggia. It occupies a prime position on the seafront and was intended to promote enjoyment of the seaside.
It is thought that the towers were removed during the 1930s, one of many architectural changes which this structure has undergone it its time. The most major architectural interventions appear to have been made in the 1950s, likely following the major flood event of 1953.
The modern-day Loggia has been extended at first floor level and the colonnaded frontage has been lost. The original cast-iron railing has been retained on the central section, along with the arched windows at first floor level.
The Loggia building was identified in 2020 as a key site to deliver improved experiences and facilities all year round. The building is currently empty except for a section occupied by Thanet Lifeguard Club, who will remain as tenants. A feasibility report suggested some £4.06million would be needed to refurbish the site.
Cllr Rick Everitt, Leader of Thanet District Council, said: “We are pleased that the completion of this sale will secure a positive future for the Loggia. It occupies a prominent position on Westbrook Bay and holds fond memories for many local people and visitors.
“Tracey Emin’s innovative plans for the Loggia are set to rejuvenate the immediate surrounding area and provide excellent new facilities for residents, beach users and beach-focused businesses. Tracey’s visionary plans for the restoration and revitalisation of the building reflect her deep connection to the area and her commitment to fostering community engagement and sustainable development.
“The renovation will also improve the external appearance of the building which provides an imposing backdrop to Westbrook Bay.”
The toilets, a part of the local public convenience provision, will remain open for public use. The facilities have been safeguarded as an integral part of the transfer.
Tracey Emin bought the TKE site consisting of a former Edwardian bathhouse, mortuary and children’s nursery in November 2021 for £750,000. She has since spent upwards of £1million renovating and refurbishing the site.
It now consists of artist studios and gallery spaces to provide “a perfect working environment.”
She also bought nearby flats which she is renting to her artists at a subsidised rate.
The artist also owns her studio/living space at the former Thanet Press site which she moved to in 2017, The Brown Jug pub in Broadstairs and the former Margate Constitutional Club and One Union Crescent.
