Margate’s shuttered Winter Gardens could be reimagined as a year-round venue featuring “new concepts such as food halls” a new report suggests.

The glimpse into one of the potential options for the historic venue - closed since August 2022 - comes ahead of a re-marketing of the venue to potential new operators.

A previous effort to secure a new owner or operator, launched last year, stumbled given the estimated £6 million cost of repairs to get the Grade II-listed venue in a state to reopen.

However, it is hoped £4m of government funding - initially earmarked for Dreamland but now reallocated to the Winter Gardens - will help sweeten the deal for any potential partner on the project. At a council meeting last month, it was suggested any operator would be expected to match-fund the investment.

Dreamland turned the money - initially allocated as part of a £22.2m Levelling Up package - down in February after LN-Gaiety, a subsidiary of entertainment giant Live Nation, acquired a controlling interest in Sands Heritage, the park’s owner.

Thanet District Council then revealed, in March, the money would go, instead to the Winter Gardens.

Exactly what shape the venue will take will be determined only once an operator has signed up.

However, in an Evening and Night-Time Economy (ENTE) Review and Strategy report, commissioned by Thanet District Council, by consultants Counterculture, one intriguing option was proposed.

The report said: “The much-loved Winter Gardens has been one the key visitor attractions in Margate for over a century. It has lots of potential to be a central venue in developing Thanet’s meetings, incentives, conferences and events and cultural offerings.

“The Winter Gardens can be a year-round venue. It should deliver a ’weather-resilient ENTE offer'. This could include new concepts such as food halls that will also engage current Thanet ENTE businesses/operators.”

Prior to its closure in 2022, the venue was a popular live music and entertainment spot. However, with nearby Dreamland now repositioning itself as a live music hub, it may see its future use take an alternative route.

The new marketing push will last three to four weeks and be rolled out in the coming weeks. The previous push saw a number of interested parties engage in discussions, but the £6m repair bill was off-putting.

The ENTE report added: “As well as bolstering the ENTE offer, a renewed Winter Gardens could have a significant impact on Thanet’s tourist and visitor economy. This will be in addition to creating a strong offer for its residents.​

“However, the Winter Gardens needs investment. It is a Grade II listed building in an exposed coastal environment. Any options for its future use need to take account of this and be set against the need for an estimated £6m investment. This investment is required to bring the building ‘back online’ and allow improved public access once more.”