4. HOW CAN MARGATE COMPETE AGAINST OTHER SEASIDE TOWNS IN KENT?

Margate Open Space Event Group 2
Session 1

Discussion led by Rupert Davis

Key discussion points/themes:
Assets that make Margate unique compared to other towns in East Kent
- ‘Brand’ of Margate
- Geography – sandy beaches, bay, climate, green spaces
- Architecture and compact Old Town
- Cultural community – vibrant local inhabitants, nascent but growing community
- Turner Contemporary – needs to be utilised as a landmark for Margate to draw visitors who will then stay
- Need to preserve affordable space for galleries and artist’s work space to entice more artists to Margate

What Margate is lacking:
- evening economy
- music scene
- series of exciting and accessible events
- amenities such as public toilets and good quality accommodation
- link between the beach and other attractions to draw visitors from the beach into Margate.
- small scale creative industries
- mix of national and independent retailers
- high quality public sector realm

Action Points:
1. A co-ordinated cultural offer is needed to link together towns in East Kent
2. Margate needs a focused, coherent vision of art in the public realm which needs to include a brief for artists applying for funding or answering tenders to connect all artistic input
3. Development money is needed to preserve Margate’s assets, to protect Margate’s unique buildings from conversion into commercial properties, and for the development of Dream Land to conserve the character of Margate