Almost a year on from its closure, a glimmer of hope has been shone on a crumbling music venue which is in a state of disrepair.

Thanet District Council has appointed a specialist agency to help promote the Margate Winter Gardens in a bid to attract a new operator.

Doubt has long been cast over the future of the unique structure, which is built into the cliff.

The Grade II-listed venue closed on August 14 last year when operators Your Leisure threw in the towel.

After being built in 1911, the site hosted many huge names including The Beatles.

There was uproar from residents, and a campaign to get the doors back open.

But now, a plan is in action and work to clear out the building has begun.

Commercial Real Estate firm Colliers will carry out a marketing exercise, promoting the Winter Gardens to potential partners, and gauging interest in the venue.

The council states its objective is to ensure the Winter Gardens will be reimagined to play a central role in Thanet’s cultural and economic landscape for decades to come.

Leader of the council Rick Everitt said: "We are excited to partner with Colliers on this important project.

“Their expertise in the property market and extensive knowledge of the entertainment industry will be instrumental in finding the right buyer or operator for the Winter Gardens.

“We recognise how important this project is to many residents and are optimistic that this partnership will lead to the timely completion of the current process, creating a reinvigorated cultural landmark that will enrich the community and attract visitors for years to come."

Nigel Ball, director of Colliers Licensed & Leisure team, said: “We’re pleased to be working with Thanet District Council to explore a range of opportunities for this historic site.

“We expect to identify partners who can deliver a long-term commercial solution which contributes to the wider economy in Margate.”

Some of the items from within Winter Gardens are now going to be auctioned off to the public.

Details of the auction will be made publicly available at a later date.

​​In the years before shutting, the venue lost significant amounts of money, and was hit hard by an enforced closure ushered in by the pandemic.

It was generating annual revenues of about £1.3m prior to the lockdowns, but still losing between £105,000 and £275,000-a-year.

The financial year ending March 2021 saw it rack up £300,000 in losses because of the pandemic restrictions.

In 2021, it was announced bookings would be suspended from August 2022, with the council taking control of the Winter Gardens that month.