The scheme, lodged with Thanet District Council last month, would restore and adapt the Grade II-listed Westbrook Loggia to provide a mix of cultural, commercial and community uses, including galleries, artists\u2019 studios, a restaurant, caf\u00e9, event space and public bathing facilities.<\/p>\n
The Tracey Emin Foundation is a charity set up by Margate-based artist Tracey Emin to support and promote the visual arts.<\/p>\n
Waugh Thistleton\u2019s scheme would create 1,050m\u00b2 of arts, leisure and community uses across two storeys, with a 525m\u00b2 ground floor accommodating a restaurant, studios, saunas, changing rooms, showers, refurbished public toilets and coffee and ice cream hatches opening directly onto the promenade.<\/p>\n
The 459m\u00b2 first floor would contain a caf\u00e9 alongside gallery and flexible community event spaces.<\/p>\n
The proposal reinstates several lost architectural features, including the pavilion\u2019s distinctive rooftop belvederes, while removing a series of ad-hoc later additions that have accumulated over decades, according to planning documents.<\/p>\n
The project would replace an existing irregular ground-floor frontage with a new arched colonnade and recessed public terrace, while new interventions would be designed to reflect the proportions and architectural language of the original building.<\/p>\n
The belvederes would be reconstructed in lightweight steel with copper roofs inspired by historic photographs. A new roof-level wind shelter would protect the staircase linking Westbrook Promenade with Royal Esplanade.<\/p>\n
The Westbrook Loggia was built in 1910 as the Westbrook Bathing Pavilion. It was extensively remodelled in the late 1950s after suffering damage during the 1953 North Sea storm surge. Before falling into disrepair, it housed a caf\u00e9 and beach shop, with parts of the structure later used by the Thanet Lifeguard Club.<\/p>\n
Surviving historic features include its cast-iron balustrade and arched entrance windows. The Tracey Emin Foundation has already undertaken emergency roof repairs to prevent further deterioration.<\/p>\n
Waugh Thistleton said its proposals sought to deliver \u2018a high-quality, modern community asset\u2019 while respecting the pavilion\u2019s historic character and built heritage.<\/p>\n
Thanet District Council gave broadly positive pre-application advice earlier this year, concluding that the principle of the redevelopment was acceptable, subject to the submission of supporting technical information, and that it would enhance the building\u2019s appearance while supporting community, tourism and economic objectives<\/p>\n