An estate agents that mistakenly put a Kent theatre on the market for £1.5 million has apologised after venue bosses say it was never for sale.

The Granville Theatre in Ramsgate was advertised by Lovette of Ramsgate earlier this week to the surprise of the building’s owners.

The theatre in Victoria Parade reopened in May after extensive renovations by co-owners Zahra and Parisa Tarjomani and Matt Milchard.

They had bought the historic site from Thanet District Council last October for £125,000 and were shocked to see it on the market – complete with new interior pictures – without their permission.

This morning, Zahra Tarjomani received an email from Lovetts of Ramsgate apologising for the error, which the estate agents says was made in “excitement” by a member of staff identified only as Jon.

Lovetts director Jo Hanchett explained: “I would like to apologise for the fact that we falsely advertised your business and property for sale.

“We are so sorry for all the stress it has caused for you and is still causing to you and to us as well. We wish to apologise unequivocally.

“Jon and an associate were shown around the theatre after asking a family member to see the progress.

“In his excitement of the situation he uploaded some pictures he took during his visit to our database and created a listing without any permissions.

“Notwithstanding that, Jon's valuation figure was unsubstantiated and incorrect. By mistake Jon then published the listing.

“I might add that Jon (who had never been in the Granville Theatre since you have owned it, until last week) wasn’t even aware that you were the owners, he, in his mind believed you were tenants.

“He knows now that he did not have permission of the legal owners (they being you, Parisa and Matt Milchard) to even view the building let alone value and list it for sale by any parties involved.

“To reiterate, Jon, myself and Lovetts received no instruction to either value or list The Granville Theatre for sale by any parties and truly apologise for any confusion caused.

“We wish you all the best for the future as you continue to grow your offering which is a real asset for Ramsgate, giving us and visitors such excellent shows, the two I have seen to date were of a standard befitting the West End of London.”

After accepting the apology, Ms Tarjomani said: “We are still baffled as to why he did it, but hoping this can put it to bed as we have been subjected to lots of unfounded abuse and false accusations.”

In May 2022, The Granville went on the open market after a community bid was snubbed by the council.

The original Granville Theatre opened in 1914 as just an enclosure with a partial roof.

It was damaged beyond repair during the Second World War and a new theatre was built in its place in 1947.

Lovetts was approached for a comment.