A BLUEPRINT aimed at returning Margate to the premier league as an attractive seaside resort has been drawn up.

Residents, businesses and investors from inside Thanet and from further afield are being invited to put forward their suggestions to the action plan that envisages quality architecture and major development in the seaside town.

The project is a large jig-saw with interlocking pieces that together may secure the long-term upmarket future of the area that was the country’s first seabathing resort more than 250 years ago.

The study by Tibbalds Planning and Urban Design was commissioned by a partnership of different organisations including Thanet council, Kent County Council, Soth east England development Agency, English Partnerships, the South East England Tourist Board and Stadium, potential business partners for the redevelopment of Dreamland amusement park.

Leisure, tourism destinations, the town centre and seafront, and how people and vehicles move within central Margate are the cornerstone of the document - though Thanet council regeneration manager Sam Thomas is keen to stress that "nothing is set in stone and the results of the public consultation will be carefully monitored".

"Sensitive and sympathetic planning" are key phrases used by Mr Thomas, and the council is keen to stress there will be no overnight sensation when it comes to completion of the scheme, rather a steady progression to develop opportunities and challenges.

Margate seafront, the Turner Contemporary development, the creation of a cultural quarter in the Old Town and an outstanding beach all present opportunities, coupled with the challenge of what will happen to the Dreamland and Royal Sea Bathing Hospital sites.

The Turner Contemporary flagship art centre on the harbour wall is described as a critical cornerstone and council chief executive Richard Samuel is adamant: “Without the Turner Contemporary, this project will not succeed.”

It is to be hoped that sufficient private investment can be found to ensure successful completion of the Turner vision and other high profile projects - Dreamland and the Sea Bathing.

Mr Samuel added: “Poor standards of design that may have been allowed in the past will not longer be acceptable. We want quality for this vision and we are prepared to wait for the right moment. We must ensure that the mix of past and present is right. The Margate masterplan supports the broader regeneration of Thanet.”

Mr Thomas stressed: “At the moment, Margate is fragmented. Those involved in the project see its potential and want it to become a united town, interlinking, with all the agencies working together. There is a cocktail of funding available and a tremendous interest in investment potential.

Council leader, Cllr Sandy Ezekiel, said the plans were about two major issues. He said: “This study will set out how we can bring additional investment and more visitors into Margate. One of the keys to achieving that will be encouraging a high quality of design in any future development in the town.”

During the consultation period, people will be able to see the plans and will have the opportunity to discuss them with council officers.

Forms will be available for people to fill in their comments. A roadshow will be set up in Cecil Square from from March 22 until until April 2 enabling people to find out more about the plan.