URL: https://democracy.thanet.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=5422

Decision Maker: Director of Place

Outcome: Recommendations Approved

Is Key Decision?: No

Is Callable In?: No

Purpose:

Content: 1.  To enter into a lease for 999 years with Westwood One for the Winter gardens, based on the draft Heads of Terms attached at annex 1;   2.  To enter into a grant agreement for £4m to support the cost of the refurbishment of the Winter Gardens, based on the template agreement attached at annex 2. The decision to proceed with the 999 year lease and £4m grant agreement with Westwood One Theatre is made for the following reasons: ·  The recommendation is in line with the decision taken by Cabinet about the Winter Gardens at its meeting on 20 March 2025. ·  The pre-conditions set by Cabinet on 20 March 2025 have now been completed. ·  The project represents good value for money for the council in realising its stated aim to return the Winter Gardens to operational use, and secures approximately £3.9m of private sector match funding for the project. ·  The proposed structure of the lease and grant helps to mitigate the identified risk of the project. ·  Westwood One Theatre were selected as the Council’s partner organisation to lease, refurbish and operate the Winter Gardens following two rounds of opening marketing and careful scrutiny of their proposals. Decide not to proceed with the lease and grant agreement. This option is not recommended. As set out above, there is limited scope to vary the terms of the lease and grant agreement, and not proceeding would result in the Winter Gardens remaining in disrepair and unused for the foreseeable future.   The report considered by Cabinet on 20 March 2025 also explored the potential for the council to complete the refurbishment. This option was not recommended at the time for the following reasons: ·  The capital cost to the council would significantly exceed the £4m allocated to the Winter Gardens as part of the Margate Town Deal. The additional cost was estimated to be between £800k and £5.6m, depending on the scope of works. ·  This option would still require the Council to identify a commercial operator for the main hall. ·  The time line in respect of the Queen’s Hall would be extended and uncertain.   However, the report concluded that if the recommended option was not able to proceed then this option can be revisited, albeit on the understanding that additional funding would be required. The council is not able to provide the additional capital funding required to make this option viable.   The Cabinet also has the option to do nothing. This option is not recommended as there are a number of significant consequences: ·  The Winter Gardens would remain closed. ·  The opportunity to contribute to the economic growth and regeneration of Margate and Thanet would be lost. ·  The Council, as the owner of a grade II listed building would still be responsible for the on-going maintenance of the building and have an obligation to protect the listed structure. ·  Empty buildings present a risk of attracting anti-social behaviour, vandalism and graffiti. ·  Empty building holding costs for the Winter Gardens, including insurance, utilities and security currently total £197k p.a. There is no on-going budget for this cost.

Date of Decision: October 23, 2025