1. It was noted that the Margate Winter Gardens was handed back to the Council on 14 August from Your Leisure Kent Ltd, and has subsequently temporarily suspended operations.
2. Cabinet noted that a Petition signed by over 2,000 signatories was submitted to the Council requesting a Public Meeting, in order that the public can show their support for the Winter Gardens and hear about the plans for the future.
· It was recommended that once the Council had received further information, a public meeting would be held.
· It was recommended through the review of the night time economy that engagement with Thanet’s communities be undertaken to understand how they would use the Winter Gardens.
3. Cabinet agreed the next steps in delivering the Margate Town Deal Winter Gardens project, including, but is not limited to:
· commissioning experts to complete a costed structural survey of the Winter Gardens;
· commission a complete set of drawings for the site;
· identify all legal requirements in relation to the Margate Winter Gardens;
· commission a team of multi disciplinary consultants to review the night time economy in Margate and the Winter Gardens role in that - this will include engagement with Thanet’s communities to understand the audience potential for a venue.
4. Cabinet gave delegated authority to the Interim Director of Property in consultation with the Economic Development Portfolio Holder and the Director of Regeneration to market the leisure opportunity at the Margate Winter Gardens, in order to identify potential interest from operators and/or a commercial partner.