New plan to renovate Ramsgate shelters

Two concrete shelters sit inside a white cliff. They are derelict and covered in graffiti. Image source, Steve Morgan
Image caption,

The shelters could be turned into a sauna or food and drink outlet

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A not-for-profit has announced it will renovate and refurbish shelters in Ramsgate.

Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it has a "bold plan" for the future of the derelict buildings along the lower promenade of East Cliff.

It has asked the public for their views and ideas after taking on a 20-year lease to redevelop eight art deco shelters from Thanet District Council.

Heritage Lab Ramsgate said the 6m-by-2m shelters, which look directly out to sea, will be put to a "variety of uses".

Proposals include a food and drinks outlet, a sauna, water sports and fishing facilities, beach huts, a community and educational space or art space.

One shelter is set to be restored to its original purpose with seated benches and information on the history of the area.

A concrete structure is built into a cliff on a coastal promenade. Image source, Steve Morgan
Image caption,

Heritage Lab Ramsgate said the renovated shelters could open next year

Heritage Lab Ramsgate said it hopes to have the shelters, which spread either side of the Pulhamite steps below Winterstoke Gardens, open for the summer 2026 season.

The not-for-profit has launched an online consultation, external where people can share their views and ideas about how the shelters can best be used in future. 

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