The future of one of the county’s most iconic venues could be a step closer to finally being resolved.

Margate’s Winter Gardens has been shuttered since closing in August 2022.

A recent KentOnline report revealed it had cost £382,694 to maintain and keep the site secure ever since.

But there could be light at the end of the tunnel after the council confirmed it was in “detailed external discussions” after a push to find a new operator for the 2,000-capacity site.

The council said: “At this stage of the process the detail surrounding this remains confidential.

“Once this process concludes, a public report will be reviewed by the council’s cabinet to set out the way forward.”

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 £4 million of government funding - initially earmarked for Dreamland but now reallocated to the Winter Gardens - will help sweeten the deal. Any investor is expected to have to match fund the amount.

Many in the town hope it will return to once again hosting live music and shows - but options on the table are likely to also include making it a conference facility or even a food hall.

Nearby Dreamland’s aggressive positioning as a live music venue is likely to be a factor in the Winter Gardens’ future vision.

The council has repeatedly stated its intention is to reopen the site as a viable venue and not turn it into housing.

Thanet council added: “The Winter Gardens is a well-loved, iconic part of our local history and we are committed to ensuring that the venue will be able to reopen once again.”

In the years prior to its closure, it had lost up to £300,000 a year in its former guise.