It is the end of an era of local business history as demolition crews get set to bring down the remainder of K Laundry in Ramsgate.
The commercial laundry and linen hire specialist, which was founded in 1928, went up in flames on July 23 last year.
Firefighters were called to the scene in Northwood Road at 4.28am and at its height 12 fire engines, the height vehicle and a bulk water carrier were in attendance.
Those living and working in the area were advised to keep doors and windows shut due to the smoke.
Operations were scaled down by 11am to four fire engines and a height vehicle and then, by 2.30pm, to two vehicles. Crews worked throughout the night damping down the scene and eventually finished at 11.15am on July 24.
The cause of the huge fire remains unknown due to ‘insufficient evidence.’
An investigation into the blaze came up with potential causes, information for which has not been released, but was unable to find enough supporting evidence for a conclusion. The investigation is now closed.
Demolition equipment and crews are now on site
K Laundry was established by the grandparents of the previous owners Clive Jones and family almost a century ago and operated from the original site until the blaze.
Originally serving the domestic market, K Laundry later moved into the commercial laundry sector as domestic washing machines became more prevalent. K Laundry served the town’s hotels and guest houses, before expanding into laundry and linen hire for hospitality, private schools and manufacturers.
When MD Clive Jones decided to retire, he wanted to be confident that his family’s business would still have a promising future, and particularly that the company’s employees would be secure in their job.
The business was sold to Belmont Laundry, an Essex-based company serving much of the South-East of England, in 2022.
At the end of December 2022, company accounts said there were 65 employees, including company directors.
Belmont Laundry has been contacted for comment.
Strangely, another Ramsgate laundry went up in flames c.1970. The Sunlight laundry in Willson’s Road, caused by a 17 year old demented employee, for which he served time.
The new owners Belmont Laundry have managed to look after their customer base since the fire at K Laundry Ramsgate. One wonders if the building will ever be rebuilt as a laundry or if the site will be converted to residential.
Regretfully on takeover by Belmont, they stopped serving commercial businesses that had their own linen preferring to hire out and serve customers who used their linen.
More money to be made in residential builds. Simple as that, we know what will happen to the site.
Why are people like you quick to insinuate but slow to say what you actually mean? Coward or Keyboard Warrior?
James.
People like myself, what’s that then?? You know nothing sunbeam!
My message was perfectly clear to anyone with brain cells in double figures but I guess I had better spell it out in CAPITALS and preferably words of only a single syllable.
As I can only think in multi syllable English, this will have to do.
There is more profit to be made in selling the land for development into housing, or doing the development oneself, than there is in rebuilding as a Launderette. Simples.
Any more clarification required ask a 5 year old.
another nice level site , with access straight off the road in a residential area , thanet seems so unlucky with fires , almost plagued by them ????
REMEMBER THE PLEASURAMA FIRE IN 1998. WE KNOW WHO WAS BEHIND THAT AND THE FIRE AT DREAMLAND IN 2008 AND THE ARCADE ON MARGATE SEAFRONT IN 2003.
Three generations run by the same family and just three years under new management. How can anyone trust Belmont after this complete failure?