Online House Hunter: Margate leads the way | Alan Cleaver | Independent Property Blogs

Online House Hunter: Margate leads the way | Alan Cleaver | Independent Property Blogs

THIS is the year in which Margate appears to have been reborn. After decades during the 19th and early 20th centuries as the must-visit seaside location, it became only a kitsch town. Then came suggestions of regeneration. The Apprentice contestants attempted their own attempts at rebranding magical Margate but more seriously came the suggestion of a Turner gallery (Turner stayed at Margate) and the formation of Margate Renewal Partnership.

This month saw the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh visit Turner Contemporary and, on the same day, the old town and harbour area of Margate won The Great Neighbourhood Award from The Academy of Urbanism. The judges said: “The rejuvenated Old Town and harbour is attractive, safe and welcoming, with a growing community of specialist shopping, pubs, restaurants, and the striking new Turner Contemporary. The Old Town and Harbour is a successful example of partnership-working that has delivered many small-scale, important interventions, and has also created a home to an emerging artistic culture.”