Thanet District Council Seeks Visionary Operator to Lead Flagship Arts Venue from 2027

Thanet District Council is inviting theatre operators to apply to take a long-term lease on the newly refurbished historic Theatre Royal in Margate. Colliers’ Licensed & Leisure team has been appointed by the council to manage the appointment process. Proposals are currently being sought from organisations to deliver a high-quality theatrical programme. This programme must appeal to both local residents and visitors, while also demonstrating long-term cost recovery. The aim is for the redeveloped theatre to serve as the core of a dynamic new arts hub. The Theatre Royal, which is the second oldest operating theatre in Britain, was originally built in 1787. Its historical significance is underscored by its Grade II listing, which places it among the top 8% of listed buildings. A redesign took place in 1874 by Jethro T. Robinson, who was father-in-law to the renowned Victorian theatre architect, Frank Matcham. It is being restored at a cost of £6 million, with funding from the government’s Town Deal programme. A planning application and listed building consent have been submitted for the refurbishment of the Theatre Royal Margate. The plans, developed by Foster Wilson Size architects (specialists in revitalising historic venues), envision a theatre with approximately 480 seats. [...] The post Thanet District Council Seeks Visionary Operator to Lead Flagship Arts Venue from 2027 first appeared on Luxury Hospitality Magazine.