A council-owned stately home feared at risk of being left to rack and ruin could be restored as a leading venue for big events and celebrations.

Thanet District Council (TDC) is looking for a new operator to take on Grade II-listed Northdown House in Margate, which until last summer was home to a special educational needs school.

The closure of the Lighthouse School came in the same month Your Leisure – which had leased the site since 1999 – announced it would be handing it back to the local authority.

It sparked fears “rot would set in” at the Victorian mansion, which had previously hosted a number of weddings and other events.

But TDC says it is now “testing the market” to determine future uses of the site, and hopes to find a new operator to take it on.

Cllr Ruth Duckworth, cabinet member for regeneration and property at the council, said: “Northdown House is a beautiful building, set in picturesque grounds.

“This could be a great opportunity for the right leaseholder to turn it into a multi-functional location.

“This marketing exercise will help us to understand possible future options for the building and the level of interest in taking up this opportunity.

“I am sure the repurposed building can provide a high-quality asset for the district. I look forward to seeing proposals from interested parties.”

The house was gifted to the people of Margate by the Friend family in 1937 and must be used for leisure and educational purposes.

TDC attempted to sell the site in 2008 but the move sparked uproar and was later revealed to be prohibited by restrictive covenants.

The authority now says the property has the potential to provide the “ideal location for a range of events”, including wedding receptions and other celebrations, meetings, workshops and day conferences.

It has the capacity for up to 200 guests, with the option to set up marquees for larger gatherings in the grounds of Northdown Park.

A play area known as The Secret Jungle could also be taken on as part of the lease, as well as some wellness facilities.

Any new operator would take on the entire building on a full repairing and insuring basis.

Northdown Park is not included, however, and will remain a public open space.