A former NHS clinic in Margate will become offices for local businesses.
The College Road Clinic sold for a currently undisclosed sum earlier this year. It was bought by Thanet businessman Dayne Gooding through his Prospects UK Property and Letting Management company.
Mr Gooding, who also owns properties including the former Royal Oak building on Ramsgate harbour which now houses a number of hospitality outlets, says the aim is to retain the former NHS building and use it as offices.
He said: “It is in a prime location and there were people looking at it for development. I wanted to save it so bought the building and will make it into small offices, for start-up and other businesses.
“I will retain the building and refurbish it so it won’t be changing (the exterior) at all.
“I want people to know that it is not going to be flats. The building has been there maybe 100 years and has always been under the NHS (as a dentists or a form of clinic) so this is the first time the building has been in private ownership.
“We are going to tidy it up and make it look nice and it will become a commercial hub.
“I think there is demand for that type of space in Margate.
“They’ll be marketed in September and we have already had some interest, including for a photographic studio.
“They could be for people that have been working from home and want office space but do not want to travel to a commercial unit, like at Manston.
“The site also has good parking and is in the centre of Margate. I think it is viable and it means we can look after the building for many years to come.”
Mr Gooding, who will be basing his head office office at the site, says he will also be adding energy efficiencies, such as solar panels, which will keep costs down for tenants.
He added: “I’m proud that I have bought the building. I used to walk past it every day on my way to school (at St Gregory’s) and I think it is nice that people can relax and know that it isn’t going to be residential and that we will preserve an attractive building.”
The property does not need a change of use planning application as it falls within the class already granted for the site.
A planning application will be submitted in due course for modest enhancements such as the solar panels, a small number of new entrance doors, and improved access arrangements including steps and railings.
Prospects UK has been established for 15 years and can be found at: https://prospectsuk.com/
