A Center Parc-type holiday resort, detached waterside homes and an aquarium have been suggested in a list of possible future uses for the port and harbour in Ramsgate.

In a feasibility study, drawn up by consultants WSP, a raft of different potential uses are outlined for the site, which has been at the centre of discussions for years.

Suggestions of reviving the old Smack Boys Building into a hotel and events space, introducing berthing for small cruise ships, and creating a maritime village are included as well as having themed leisure facilities such as a theme park and film studios.

The report also sets out a proposal to retain commercial port functions for ro-ro operations, but from a single berth.

Housing options are outlined in the document, suggesting a possible 600 new homes, including a mixed use-development with retail, detached and executive properties, some with vessel berths and similar to Eastbourne Sovereign Harbour, or flats and apartments like that in Portsmouth and Eastbourne.

The report also presents the need for industrial zones to ensure there is employment at the site, with ideas ranging from 3D printing facilities and distribution centres to vehicle repair and specialist recycling centres.

This would be in addition to renewables and commercial zones.

There could also be workshops for creative industries and specialist maritime work such as vessel design.

Restaurants, an educational facility specialising in marine services and an increase in yachting and marine activities, such as racing and open water swimming, have also been outlined.

In the report, the consultants say the port is strategically important to the region and country as a whole.

"It encompasses two zones with unique characteristics and requirements: the commercial port and the Royal Harbour.

"The commercial port has suffered from three operators incurring financial distress, and ultimately the closure of all ferry routes between Ramsgate and continental Europe.

"This has left a substantial amount of underutilised land and a material gap in funding. A key financial burden is the depreciation of assets which, while their value can be leveraged in-situ, have

limited sell on value.

"There are limited short-term prospects, aside from potential for the port in certain post-Brexit scenarios, which would result in the port delivering commercial successes.

"The case for intervention is therefore a strong one, and is being driven by the broad options assessed in the development of this report."

Leader of Thanet district council and cabinet member for the port and harbour Cllr Rick Everitt says the new feasibility study marks the beginning of an exciting opportunity in the town’s regeneration.

"The council hasn’t gone into this exercise with a predetermined view of what the future should look like and the range of options presented by consultants WSP in their report reflects that," he said.

"Our vision is to create something exciting that will help put the town on the map as a thriving place to live, work and visit.

"Residents know that Ramsgate already has a lot to offer, but making the best use of the port and harbour can only enhance the success of the town’s existing economy."

The report will be shared with the public and stakeholders over the next three months to gauge opinion.

There will also be a series of engagement events held.

To see the report click here.

Read more: All the latest news from Thanet