Thanet council shortlisted for awards for winter shelter and Live Margate schemes

Thanet council housing staff

Thanet council has been shortlisted for two Local Government awards for the winter shelter project and Live Margate housing scheme.

The announcement comes just a month after the authority scooped a Housing Initiative Award, also for Live Margate.

The two projects have been selected as examples of best practice in their sector. They both show how Thanet District Council works in partnership with local organisations to make life better for residents.

Thanet Winter Shelter volunteers

In its first year, Thanet’s Winter Shelter saw a total of 42 guests given food and a safe place to sleep. In total, it offered 1,350 beds and 2,768 meals. Of the 25 guests who engaged with the team, 23 were in long term accommodation by the end.

In its second year the scheme was extended beyond its planned closure in February to run into March due to severe weather conditions.

Live Margate, now in its sixth year, is an ambitious programme led by Thanet District Council, which involves buying existing properties in Margate and turning them into quality family homes.

By refurbishing empty and derelict buildings in Cliftonville, the council is providing isle people with affordable homes to rent and preserving the architectural heritage of some of the UK’s oldest housing stock.

Image Haj Thomas

The most recent completed project on the scheme is 40-46 Sweyn Road which has been refurbished to provide 6 new family homes. The first residents picked up their keys last weekend.

Council leader Bob Bayford said: “It is fantastic to, once again, have our achievements recognised as best in class amongst our local authority colleagues. The Housing Team takes immense pride in their work and getting shortlisted for these two coveted awards will no doubt boost morale further.”

Following presentations to a panel of judges, the winners will be announced on Wednesday 27 June.

For more information go to https://awards.themj.co.uk/finalists