It's been a long time coming - but after 22 years sat desolate on the seafront, work is finally starting on the transformation of a former fairground site.

Developer Blueberry Homes confirmed this week that work on the Royal Sands scheme at what was the Pleasurama in Ramsgate has begun, with completion expected in the next three years.

The ambitious project for 107 luxury apartments, a 60-bed hotel and leisure facilities, including shops and food outlets, was approved 15 years ago, but after years of inaction and ownership issues, the site has remained derelict and neglected.

But a spokesman for Blueberry Homes, the firm which has taken over the former funfair site, says phase one of work, involving the construction of 20 of the apartments, is now underway.

"After that we'll move into phase two and over the next three years we'll complete the development," he said.

"We'll have a hotel, apartments, 10 retail units where the hoarding currently is and there will be all this lovely café culture down there, just 10 yards from the beach.

"It's going to be stunning.

"The apartments will have uninterrupted sea views. People are already interested and getting in touch - we've had over 100 enquiries."

He says the team behind the development is all from Thanet and so have the area's best interest at heart.

"Blueberry Homes did the Co-op development in Broadstairs, the stunning Ocean Drive apartments on the Northforeland Estate and The Point apartments at Dumpton Gap," he said.

"We're also doing the redevelopment of the old gas works with the new Aldi supermarket and homes in Boundary Road in Ramsgate.

"We work to a very high standard and this will be the same with the Royal Sands development."

He says the apartments are likely to gauge interest from people from London as well as locals.

"People from London and urban areas of Kent will be seeing this resurgence of seaside towns," he said.

"And especially at the moment, they'll be looking for that clean air by the beach."

News of work starting is likely to come as a welcome relief to many after years of inaction by several developers.

The site on Wellington Crescent, which was previously home to a funfair, bingo hall, café and listed building which was once the Ramsgate Sands Railway station, sat neglected for two decades, after being destroyed in a fire in 1998.

In 2001, Thanet District Council bought the site from businessman Jimmy Godden through a Compulsory Purchase Order.

A planning application for the 107 apartments, a hotel, a health and fitness centre, food and drink outlets, a children's play area and retail was submitted by developers SFP Ventures and approved in 2004.

But with the exception of dozens of concrete pillars put in place in 2011, the site was left derelict and overgrown behind hoardings just yards from the popular Ramsgate beach.

In 2016 Cardy took over the grounds, but went into administration soon after.

Last year, property developer Martin Rigden, who runs Blueberry Homes and is director of Ramsgate Development Company (RDC), was announced as the new owner.

The firm's spokesman says they are keen to push forward with construction so people in Thanet can enjoy that stretch of seafront which has been unused for so long.

And last week the site came to life, with workmen starting the build.

Cllr Rick Everitt, leader of Thanet council, says the firm is working to the existing planning consent granted in 2004.

"Work starting is good news for Ramsgate," he said.

"This whole saga has been going on for many years - there are lots of different views about what people want to see there, but as far as I'm concerned we just want something to be done.

"I'm absolutely delighted to see that work is happening."

Cllr Karen Constantine, county councillor for Ramsgate, says it's fantastic to see the Royal Sands site spring into life.

"I wish Blueberry Homes well and hope the build is completed quickly and the properties are sold," she said.

"It’s high time this land was put back into good use.

"Ramsgate is a beautiful place, our coastline is stunning.

"Who wouldn’t want a home with such a spectacular uninterrupted view in a gorgeous brand new flat? For most that would be a dream come true."

Cllr Constantine says she has written to Blueberry Homes asking if there will be public amenities, such as seating, a water fountain or art installations for everyone to enjoy.

She is also asking if local tradespeople, artists and designers are being employed through the scheme.

She also questions whether there will be affordable housing, although in 2017 Thanet council received £730,000 from the developers to fund affordable housing provision elsewhere in the district.

A cabinet report in November of that year revealed the money would buy three or four houses for families on the council’s housing list.

Timeline:

May 25, 1998 - Pleasurama site, then owned by Jimmy Godden, burns down in a huge blaze.

2001 - Thanet District Council purchases the site through a Compulsory Purchase Order.

January 2004 - SFP Ventures gets planning permission granted for 107 apartments, 60-bed hotel and leisure facilities.

2011 - groundworks involving concrete pillars put into the ground at the site.

September 2014 - Thanet councillors vote for the development to be taken over from SFP Ventures by Cardy Construction due to the scheme not materialising.

March 2015 - Cardy Construction takes over building of the site.

July 2016 - Cardy buys the freehold of the site and takes over the project but goes into administration weeks later.

September 2016 - Ramsgate Development Company is formed to take control of the site.

March 2019 - Martin Rigden of Blueberry Homes and director of Ramsgate Development Company becomes owner.

June 2020 - work starts on site and Royal Sands apartments start being marketed.

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