Cecil Square regeneration threat?
Back in February of this year Seeda (the South East England Development Agency) established the Margate Renewal Partnership this apparently brings together public sector partners to secure regeneration of Margate. Apparently this partnership is headed by the chief-executive of Seeda, and has representatives from Thanet District Council, KCC, Arts Council of England, English Heritage, the Heritage Lottery Fund, the government Office for the South of England. Now my point on this matter is that whilst it is good news to have an organisation with apparently £10 million ready to spend on the Margate area, wouldn't it be even better if the partnership which is hell-bent on a regenerating Margate actually had a little more local representation. This partnership is apparently made up of seven partners Thanet council being the only truly local representation.
One of the major concerns I have, is in their (Seeda) press release of April 11th, is the reference to Cecil Square regeneration obviously I am not an expert but having taken a look at the Square recently I am not sure exactly what this partnership intend to regenerate. And this is why these organisations frankly need a strong local input and genuine public consultation. Looking around Cecil Square there may well be parts which could be improved most notably the former Marks and Spencer's building this obviously could do with a new tenant but on the whole most of the buildings in the square are occupied and in use also the car-park is generally full.
I understand that the council have bought the Marks and Spencer's building possibly with the money that was mentioned in this press release but one I would like to know it why no one from the council can confirm what they intend to do with this building. Given that apparently someone believes Cecil Square needs to be regenerated I can only assume the worst and take it that this Margate Renewal partnership will most likely demolish the Marks and Spencer's building and put up some new hideous building in its place totally ruining the look of the square.
Why is it not possible for these organisations to be clear about their intentions. Assuming for instance Thanet council is doing its best for the people that it represents why is it that they are so lacking in communication skills, one final point it would be great if we could see Margate old town regenerated and by that I mean people walking about and businesses thriving in that area before new projects were started.
I've always thought Cecil Square (well the bit that's in your photo anyway) is one of Margate's gems. I agree with you that it's in much better shape than other parts of the area, and can't imagine why it needs public money spending on it.
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