More on KentOnline
More on KentOnline
A historic hall could become the setting for urban botanical gardens or Roman Bath-inspired pools as part of plans to bring it back into use.
Proposals for Celandine Hall, in Harbour Street, Ramsgate, which is currently empty and run-down, include using it in different ways with multiple occupants once it is refurbished.
Suggestions are set out in planning documents and include different "concepts", such as botanical gardens, which would include a temperate garden, florist and café, or a crazy golf galleon concept, with a restaurant and bar.
The Roman Bath plan would include a spa, pools and therapist, and the commune involves having residents with an office, shop and facilities to grow food.
Other ideas are for an Avatar gaming platform, gym and restaurant, or an educational institute, theatre and bar.
Plans to make alterations to the building, drawn up by TaylorHare Architects on behalf of owner Moxie Management Ltd, have been approved by Thanet District Council.
The building dates back to the 1800s when it started life as a toy shop.
It has since been a tailors and gentlemans' clothing shop, department store and more recently an indoor market until its closure in 2014.
In a planning document, the architects said: "It is clear that a new approach to the buildings along Harbour Street is required.
"The proposal draws on the success of precedents to identify an appropriate appearance and cultural significance with which to make an impression.
"The novelty of the two-prong approach - thorough historic analysis and multiple occupant speculation - has resulted in a proposal which aims to challenge the existing street and draw the interest of speculative occupants, visitors and local people."
The building has fallen into disrepair and the plans include alterations to make it fit for future occupants while also repairing it to prevent further deterioration.
The shop front will also be redecorated and include a new awning and sign.
"The backlit sign is a reinstatement, but instead of ‘Café’ will read ‘Open’ as a symbol of high street regeneration," the architects said.
To see the full plans, visit www.thanet.gov.uk and search reference L/TH/19/1455.
