Ramsgate's Seafront Car Park Could Be Transformed into a New Lido
A car park on the seafront in Ramsgate, Kent, could be redeveloped into a new lido if a recent proposal gains approval. Heritage Lab Ramsgate, a non-profit arts organisation, is in early discussions with a developer interested in creating an outdoor swimming pool complex on the site. The organisation believes this project could re-establish Ramsgate as a distinctive coastal destination, capitalising on the growing popularity of outdoor swimming and wellness travel.
Historical Context and Decline
Ramsgate was once among the most popular seaside destinations for Victorian bathers and continued to attract visitors until the mid-twentieth century. In the 1930s, an Olympic-sized bathing pool was built on the seafront, which was considered one of the largest in the country at the time. However, by the 1970s, the advent of cheap flights abroad led to a sharp decline in visitors to Ramsgate, and the pool was closed in 1975.
Vision for a Year-Round Destination
A spokesperson for Heritage Lab Ramsgate stated that if the pool is combined with amenities such as saunas, cafés, and social spaces, it could become "something more than a place to swim: it can be a year-round destination that locals and visitors return to again and again." They added, "The former Marina Bathing Pool site offers a rare opportunity to reinstate a high-quality outdoor swimming facility in a location that has been associated with leisure and seaside holidays since the mid-1930s."
Community Support and Visualisation
To help people visualise the potential project, Heritage Lab Ramsgate shared a short video depicting what the pool could look like. Analysis of responses to this visualisation showed that around 94 per cent were positive or broadly supportive. The spokesperson noted, "It's clear that people care deeply about this place – not just as a memory, but as part of Ramsgate's future. One local described it as a potential 'game changer' for the town, and that sense of excitement is shared far beyond Thanet."
Council Involvement and Next Steps
Heritage Lab Ramsgate has approached Thanet District Council about the proposals, as the council owns the one-acre car park and is considering its disposal. They emphasised that any development would be done in consultation with local residents. Thanet District Council confirmed that the Marina Car Park site is included in a property disposal report to be considered by the cabinet on Monday, 16 February. The report recommends launching a marketing exercise to determine interest and proposals for the site's future, stating that the car park "has been identified for potential redevelopment, which could generate greater economic and social benefits for the district."
